So you find yourself in a tough financial situation and could use some help. Oklahomans who are facing hard times often find that there are plenty of resources available to help. One option is applying for an EBT card, which allows you to receive monthly benefits from a government assistance program.
The process is easier than you might think, and the benefits can really help take the stress out of feeding yourself and your family. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to apply for and get approved for an EBT card in Oklahoma. By the end of this, you’ll feel confident about the steps to take and documents you’ll need so you can get the help you need during this difficult time.
What Is an EBT Card?
Before we talk about how to get an EBT card, let’s discuss exactly what it is. An EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer card is essentially your key to accessing government benefits from certain programs. There are a couple different programs that use EBT cards to transfer your benefits, so let’s dive into which ones do and their applications.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
First of all is the WIC program. WIC provides benefits and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as minor children up to age five. WIC benefits are limited to specific nutritious items like:
- Iron-fortified baby formula and cereals
- Milk, cheese, eggs
- Juice
- Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables
WIC benefits are issued on an EBT card in addition to paper vouchers. To qualify, you must meet income requirements and be determined at nutritional risk by a health professional.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
Next is the SFMNP, which provides low-income seniors with benefits on an EBT card to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at farmers markets and roadside stands. Each year, qualified seniors receive $50 in benefits to spend at authorized locations. To qualify, you must be 60 years of age or older and meet income requirements.
With multiple programs offering help, you have options to get approved for an EBT card in Oklahoma. Don’t hesitate to apply and take advantage of the benefits available to you.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
If you’re not a senior, woman, infant, or child, don’t worry – there are programs open to everyone, such as the SNAP food program. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, offers a substantial amount of money each month to spend on groceries. This program allows people with lower incomes to make reduced price meals by paying for most, if not all of your monthly food expenses. Here is what the application process looks like:
Apply Online, by Phone, Mail or In Person
Apply for SNAP food benefits on the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) website, by phone, by mail, or in person at your local DHS office or SNAP office. Applying online or by phone is typically the fastest option. You will need information like Social Security numbers, bank statements, utility bills, rent receipts, vehicle information, and proof of income and expenses.
Interview
After submitting your application, a caseworker will call you to schedule a phone interview to review the details of your application. They will ask you questions about your household income, expenses, and size to determine your eligibility and benefit amount. Be prepared to provide any requested documentation to support the information in your application.
Get Your EBT Card and Start Using Benefits
If your application is approved, your EBT card will arrive in the mail within 1 month. You can then start using it to purchase groceries at stores that accept SNAP, including most major supermarkets. The card will be loaded with your monthly benefit amount, which depends on household size and income. You’ll need to renew your SNAP benefits each year to continue receiving assistance.
Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)
Another benefit program that uses EBT cards is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). To receive assistance from the TANF program in Oklahoma, you’ll need to meet certain income requirements. TANF provides cash assistance for low income families with children. To apply, you’ll need to fill out an application on the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) website or at your local DHS office.
Using Your TANF Benefits
If approved for TANF, you’ll receive a plastic benefit card, similar to a debit card, which can be used to pay for essential expenses like:
- Food
- Housing
- Transportation
- Child care
Qualify For a FREE PHONE With FREE DATA (Oklahoma)
While this last program doesn’t use EBT cards, you can still receive some incredible benefits, such as a FREE phone & a FREE unlimited data plan! Chances are, if you live in the modern world, connectivity is important in your daily routine. Whether to keep in touch with friends and family, check things like the time, the weather, apps, your bank, or whatever else you use a phone for, having a mobile device is pretty essential.
If you’re currently a low-income Oklahoman, applying for programs like Affordable connectivity program and Lifeline with EASY Wireless is all you need to do in order to qualify for the benefits we mentioned above. Here’s how to start:
Lifeline/ACP Programs with EASY Wireless
Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are government programs designed to make phone and internet services more affordable for eligible low-income individuals, seniors and families. Here at EASY Wireless, we understand the importance of affordable connectivity for everyone, and we want to help you access the benefits of these programs so you can stay connected to your friends & family.
What Benefits Do You Get With EASY Wireless?
Upon qualifying for one of the programs above with EASY Wireless, you will receive the following benefits:
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Card Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
How do I Apply For EASY Wireless Benefits?
To get started with EASY Wireless, apply online by clicking the below:
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Or you can come to one of the EASY Wireless’s retail stores, where our customer service agent will help you apply for the benefits.
Either way, the first step is to provide proof of identity with a government-issued ID. This is so you can confirm your participation in one of the qualifying programs or that you meet the household income requirement.
We accept the following U.S. Government Issued ID:
- 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
You can show the following documents to prove that you are taking part in a government assistance program or use them as proof of active benefits:
- Statement of benefits from a qualifying Program.
- Notice letter of participation, such as an award letter
- Program participation documents, such as a screenshot from an online account.
- In order to show income, you can provide any of the following proofs:
- Unemployment Documentation
- Copy of your State or Federal income tax return.
- Three months’ worth of current pay stubs.
- Veterans Administration or SSI benefits letter.
- A divorce decree or child support document that states income.
- Retirement or pension statement.
Need More Than Just One Line of Service or an Additional Phone?
EASY Wireless is a full-service cellular store that cares about all of your communication needs. We have a wide range of pre-paid plans for every budget and usage requirement. Also, we offer a selection of brand-name phones that combine quality, reliability, and the latest technology.
That’s not all – we also provide an array of amazing accessories to enhance your mobile experience. At EASY Wireless, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring you find the perfect plan, phone, and accessories to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Visit us for all your cell phone and wireless service needs today!
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