So you’ve heard about the SNAP food program and want to know how it works. As an Oklahoma resident, you may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help supplement your grocery budget each month. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides you with monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card (or access Oklahoma card) to purchase food items at stores or markets.
But here’s the thing — SNAP benefits and requirements often vary by state, so you may be wondering about the specifics of the program in Oklahoma. In this guide, you’re going to learn everything you need to know about your state’s SNAP program and find out if you or your household qualifies!
Who can get SNAP benefits?
Before we get into SNAP’s application process, let’s break down a few details of the program. Firstly, who qualifies for SNAP benefits in Oklahoma?
- Low income families with few resources
- Families that include elderly, disabled, or children
- Single adults or childless couples
- Legal immigrants who meet eligibility criteria
To qualify, your household income must be below 130% of the poverty line.
What can you buy with SNAP benefits?
Once you qualify for the program, you might be wondering what you can spend your monthly benefits on. You can use your SNAP card to purchase:
- Foods for home consumption like bread, cereal, fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy
- Seeds or plants to grow food
- Deli items, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase:
- Non-food items like paper products, household supplies, grooming products or pet food
- Prepared hot foods
- Vitamins, medicines and supplements
- Beer, wine, liquor, or tobacco
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Oklahoma
So now that you understand if the SNAP program is a good fit for you, let’s dive into the application process. To receive SNAP benefits in Oklahoma, your first option is to apply at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). Here’s how:
Gather the Necessary Documentation
First, gather documents proving your income, expenses, and household size like your recent or current bank balance, pay stubs, rent receipts, and some utility bills. You’ll also need ID for each household member.
Apply Online, by Phone, Mail or In-Person
If you want the quickest way to apply, it’s best to apply online, by phone, or in person at your department of local human services office. Mailing in a paper application will take longer to process.
Interview
Whether you apply online, by phone, in-person, or mail, you’ll need to complete an interview to verify some information in your application. Interviews are usually done over the phone, but can also be in-person.
Await Approval and Benefit Amount
If approved, you’ll receive a letter from OKDHS with your benefit amount within 1 month. SNAP food benefits in Oklahoma are issued from the Oklahoma EBT card which can be used just like a debit card to purchase groceries.
Using Your SNAP Benefits
SNAP EBT cards work just like a debit card. At SNAP participating stores, swipe your card at the checkout to pay for eligible items. The amount is deducted from your monthly benefit balance. Any of your unused benefits will roll over to the next month. You can check your balance and view purchase history online or by phone.
Other Government Programs Like SNAP
You’re ready to send in your SNAP application! While you wait for it to be processed, there are a few other programs you can explore:
Medicaid
Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income individuals including children, pregnant women, the disabled, elderly, and parents of dependent children. Medicaid in Oklahoma is administrated by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA). To qualify, you must also meet certain income requirements which vary based on your family size and household members.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The TANF program provides temporary financial assistance and work opportunities for needy families with children. Recipients receive a monthly cash benefit for up to 60 months to help pay for essentials like food, shelter, child care, or transportation, but some people can qualify for extensions on their benefits.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC offers nutrition assistance, education, and healthcare referrals for low-income pregnant, postpartum women, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. The program provides checks or vouchers to purchase nutritious foods like milk, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. To qualify, you must meet some annual household income guidelines or be determined at “nutritional risk” by a health professional. Some members may also receive some additional services, like nutrition education for example.
Also Qualify For a FREE PHONE With FREE DATA in Oklahoma!!
The last benefit program you should consider applying to while you wait for your SNAP application is EASY Wireless’ FREE phone and FREE data plan! Partnering with other programs such as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) & Lifeline, EASY Wireless is offering some incredible benefits!
If you’re in the market for food support programs, why not shed your phone bill too? Here’s how you can apply for the programs above:
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 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:
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!
