With inflation running high, the burden of soaring food prices is now being felt by everyone in the country. Take Lawton, Oklahoma as an example. It is reported that 13.4% of people in the city have to rely on food stamps to keep food on the table, meaning that Lawton residents have on average used more food stamps than any other city or town in Oklahoma.
If you are a resident of Lawton who is looking for ways of lowering household expenses to offset the higher food cost, you’ve come to the right place. Below we will walk you through everything you need to know about food stamps in Lawton, including how to contact food stamp offices, how to use food stamps and other associated benefits for grocery shopping.
What are Food Stamps?
Food stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a Federal program aimed at reducing food insecurity among low income families. It provides monthly financial support for their groceries so that they can afford food essential to their health and well-being.
SNAP offices distribute benefits through the SNAP/ Electronic benefits transfer system (EBT). EBT cards can be used at most grocery stores and farmers markets across the nation.
Who Is Eligible for the SNAP Program in Lawton?
The goal of SNAP is to assist needy families, providing food benefits to vulnerable individuals and income eligible households. Under federal rules, eligibility is determined by the following requirements:
- Your gross monthly income must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty line.
- Your net income must be at or below the poverty line.
- Household assets must be below a certain amount that varies by state.
- At least one U.S. citizen or person with eligible immigration status must live in the household.
In addition, each state has different eligibility requirements for SNAP such as income limits, family size and citizenship status. For Lawton residents, the following basic requirements will be applied when considering eligibility for the SNAP program:
- U.S. citizen or legal alien.
- Work requirements (unemployed adults, ages 18 TO 50).
- Meet income standard(s) shown on Appendix C-3.
- Social Security Numbers for all members included in the benefit household.
How Do I Apply for SNAP Benefits in Lawton?
The application process in Lawton is quite straightforward. You may choose to apply online at www.OKDHSLIVE.ORG or submit a completed form 08MP001E (Request for Benefits) to your local Department of Human Services (DHS) Center. Simply visit the Oklahoma DHS website to find food stamp offices in Lawton, Oklahoma. The website also provides information for you to contact food stamp offices.
Apply for Food Benefits Online
Applying for SNAP benefits online is becoming much easier. You just need to create an account and complete the application online by providing basic information about yourself and your household. Once you’ve submitted your application, you can expect to receive notification of your eligibility status within a few weeks.
You can reach out to the Oklahoma DHS customer service line at 1-405-522-5050 if you have any questions or need additional information regarding SNAP. The friendly representatives are there to help you and provide the guidance you need. Be prepared to provide proof of income and other necessary documents such as identification and residency.
How Can I Use My SNAP Benefits?
Once you are approved for SNAP, you will receive your EBT card. SNAP benefits are deposited onto the EBT cards which work like debit cards. Food stamps, or EBT cards are accepted at authorized retailers to pay for eligible food items, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and more.
Which Stores Accept SNAP in Lawton?
In Lawton, you can find a wide range of retailers and grocery stores that accept food stamps, including major chains like Walmart and Target and many local farmers markets and community-supported agriculture programs.
You can easily get your reduced price meals at stores participating in the benefit program through the complete list and map of store locations at the OK Human Services site.
Other Ways to Lower Household Expense
As SNAP recipients, you also automatically qualify for other benefits programs, with two of the most popular ones being Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) — two programs that provide participants with affordable phone and internet services and for some even free mobile phones.
Lifeline/ACP Programs with EASY Wireless
Lifeline is a government program designed to make phone and internet services more affordable for eligible low income families and individuals. It offers a subsidy that reduces monthly costs for phone services. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), on the other hand, aims to provide affordable internet access, helping eligible households overcome financial barriers to connectivity.
Once food stamp offices confirm your eligibility to receive food stamps, you can leverage your SNAP benefits to receive the following exciting package when you sign up for Lifeline and ACP through EASY Wireless:
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE Brand-new Smartphone
- FREE SIM Card Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
EASY Wireless is an established provider with a 20-year history of offering reliable communication services to thousands of satisfied customers. At EASY Wireless, our goal is to help you get the most out of programs like ACP so you can stay connected while keeping telephone services affordable.
By choosing EASY Wireless, you can use your SNAP benefits to stay connected while keeping telephone services affordable and get the most out of programs like the Lifeline and ACP.
How to Get My Free Government Cell Phone?
Simply visit one of EASY Wireless’s retail stores, our customer service agent will help you apply for the benefits.
All you need to provide is your identity proof with a government-issued ID. This simple step will allow you to confirm your participation in the SNAP program. Our in-store agents will be happy to assist you to go through the complicated National Verifier process to find out if you are eligible for ACP. Just sit back and wait for the confirmation.
You can choose one of the following U.S. Government Issued ID as your identity proof:
- U.S. Driver License
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Government, State or Tribal issued-ID
- U.S. Military ID cards
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Permanent Resident Alien Cards
EASY Wireless Stores in Lawton
Can’t wait to visit one of our stores in Lawton on your way to one of the food stamp offices? Come and check out our store on Sheridan Road or Lee Blvd and leave the same day with your new phone and service when you qualify for Lifeline and ACP.
It won’t be a problem even if you are not living in Lawton. EASY Wireless has more than 30 retail locations in Oklahoma, so it’s never far away. Check out our store list for Oklahoma and plan your visit today!
Upgraded Phones and Accessories
At EASY Wireless, we provide full-suite services to meet all your communication needs. With a wide range of high-quality Android phones from well-known and trusted brands, you can always find the phone that fits your budget. No matter if you are looking for budget-friendly plans or feature-packed options, we have you covered.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help you get the most out of your phone and the benefits you deserve any time. We take pride in our stellar customer service and truly care about our customers. So, come on in and let us help you find the perfect phone and accessories for your needs!
