Oklahoma food stamps provide a vital service to low income residents of the state. If you are in need of help putting food on the table, you may be wondering how to apply for SNAP benefits in Oklahoma.
In this guide, we will provide all the information you need to know about these benefits, including what they cover and how much money you can expect to receive each month. We will also discuss additional benefits that are available to Oklahoma food stamp recipients, such as job training, free cell phone service and admission to zoos and museums around the state.
What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?
SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and it used to be known as food stamps. It is a federal program designed to help low income families afford groceries. Each state makes the program available to its residents. In Oklahoma, apply for SNAP with OkDHSLive.org.
What can I buy with my food benefits?
You can buy food, plants, and seeds to grow food with your food benefits. You will not be charged sales tax on these items.
What is not eligible food or items with SNAP?
You cannot buy pet food, vitamins, medicines, alcohol, tobacco products, fast food or food that will be heated and eaten in the store.
How to get food stamps in Oklahoma?
To qualify for SNAP in Oklahoma, you must meet specific eligibility requirements.
- U.S. citizen or legal alien
- Work requirements (unemployed adults, ages 18 to 50)
- Social Security Number for all members included in food benefit household.
- Meet income standards
Where Can I Fill Out an Oklahoma Food Stamps Application?
You can apply for SNAP online in Oklahoma. You can also apply by mail, phone, or at local county offices. The Oklahoma department of human services number is (405) 522-5050.
If you need help with your groceries and don't qualify for SNAP, you may qualify for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), as it has more flexibility.
After you Receive Your Oklahoma SNAP/ EBT Card?
Once you have received your card, you can start using it right away. You will need to activate the card before you can start making purchases. Remember your pin as you will need to use it to confirm purchases.
How do I find out the balance on my food benefits card?
There are several ways to find out your food benefits card balance:
- Whenever you use your ACCESS Oklahoma card, your receipt will show your balance.
- You may call the automated Customer Service line: 1-888-328-6551 and enter your card number.
- Some stores have a machine at the customer service counter where you can swipe your card to check your balance.
- When shopping online grocery stores (like Amazon or Walmart) you can check your balance through their online portals.
Additional SNAP Benefits
Free and Reduced School Breakfast and Lunch Program
Oklahoma SNAP recipients are qualified for their children to receive free and reduced school lunch and school breakfast programs.
Extra Food Through Double Up Oklahoma
This program doubles your SNAP benefits (up to $20 when shopping at participating Farmers' Markets). This program is to encourage families to buy nutritious food.
Free Admission to Museums and Zoos in Oklahoma
The Museums for All Initiative provides EBT/SNAP holders with free admission to participating museums and zoos across the country including Oklahoma. Families can explore the fascinating wildlife, learn about Oklahoma’s history and culture, and much more.
A few of the museums and zoos in Oklahoma that participate include:
Job Training Through the OK Snap Works Program
OK SNAP Works is a partnership between Oklahoma Human Services and community agencies that provide you with employment and training services if you are participating in Oklahoma's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
If you are an Oklahoma resident who is receiving Oklahoma food stamps or SNAP benefits, looking for a job, and not also receiving cash assistance (TANF), you may be eligible to participate in a free job training program through OK SNAP Works. The program is currently offered in Oklahoma, McIntosh, and Tulsa Counties; however, individuals living in surrounding counties can still participate if doing so won't present any additional challenges or barriers.
Some of the skills they teach are:
- Learn new job skills in a professional, technical or vocational program
- Improve your English, reading, writing and math skills in Adult Basic Education.
- Write an effective resume
- Improve your interview skills
How Can I get a free Smartphone in Oklahoma with food stamps?
With the world ever since shifting online, it has become more challenging for low-income earners in America to catch up. While some people have access to public Wi-Fi with slow speeds, others haven't any choice but to use their data plans which are expensive and would set them back financially at month's end.
The government has set aside billions of dollars to help low-income Americans get online through the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
EASY Wireless can offer free cell phone service to those who need it most through these programs.
When you qualify for Lifeline and ACP in Oklahoma you can receive:
EASY Wireless Free Unlimited Plan
Combine your Lifeline Program and ACP Benefits to receive:
- FREE Smartphone
- FREE UNLIMITED Data & Hotspot
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
- FREE SIM Card & Activation
Learn how to claim these great benefits at EASY Wireless.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS Live) is Here to Help
The Oklahoma Human Services Department has made it easy to apply online for Food Stamps to help your family receive SNAP benefits and other temporary assistance measurements through the online portal. Sign up today and complete the application process to receive benefits quickly.
You can use your Oklahoma SNAP benefits to enroll in the additional programs we discussed above, which will reduce your family's financial burden and help you feel more at ease.
