Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
What is SNAP?
The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides a monthly
benefit for you to buy food. Your benefit amount is based on the size of your household,
your income, and your allowed expenses. DHS issues SNAP food
benefits on a plastic card, called the ACCESHow can I get more information about Expedited Services?S Oklahoma Card. You
can use your ACCESS card just like a bank card at most food stores.
How do I apply for SNAP benefits?
If you previously received benefits from DHS, you may apply by clicking on the
Apply for Benefits
hyperlink. If you are a first time user, you will first need
to create a user name and password. You can click on the Create User ID hyperlink
to do so. You may also apply for SNAP benefits by printing and
completing the Request for Benefits form.
You can then mail, fax, email, or take it to your
local DHS office during business hours. Click
on Get Adobe Reader
if you have trouble viewing the Request for Benefits form.
Interview Requirements
When you apply for food benefits, you must complete an interview with a DHS worker
and answer some additional eligibility questions. Interviews are completed by telephone
or in person. An interview can be scheduled for your convenience
– in order to account for employment or transportation needs.
Once DHS receives the Request for Benefits form, you will be contacted regarding
your interview. You will receive an interview notice in the mail and may receive
a telephone call to complete an interview. It is important that
your address and phone numbers are accurate so that we can best serve you.
What food benefits verification documents will I need to provide?
When you first apply for food benefits, you will need to provide a document to
prove your identity. If you are eligible for
expedited services, this may be all you have to provide to receive
one or two months of benefits. The chart below shows the type
of documents you need to provide.
|
Category
|
Documents
|
|
Identity of applicant
|
 birth certificate;
driver's license;
paycheck;
voter registration card;
school records; or
U.S. passport
|
|
Earned income
|
check stubs for the last 30 days that show your name or Social
Security number, date of pay, and income before deductions;
statement from your employer; or
copy of last year’s tax return only if self-employed
|
|
Other income
|
a current benefit check or award letter;
copies of child support or alimony checks; or,
court order showing benefit information
|
|
Medical expenses
(optional)
|
only needed for household members who are 60 years of age or older or permanently
disabled if you want to receive a medical deduction.
Please provide proof of medical expenses (itemized receipts, billing statements
etc.). Allowable expenses include but are not limited to: medical and dental care
costs, prescription drugs, doctor approved over-the-counter medications and supplies;
Medicare premiums, dentures, hearing aids, prosthetics, eye glasses, maintaining
a home health aide, reasonable cost of transportation and lodging to obtain medical
treatment or services.
Only
claim the amount you spend in a month, Look over your monthly expenses, add
them together, and claim this amount as a deduction.
|
|
Immigration status
|
a document that shows your lawful immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen
|
|
Social Security numbers
|
Social Security cards or numbers
|
How long does it take to get food benefits?
It may take up to 30 calendar days from the date you submit your application to
receive benefits or a denial notice. It usually doesn't take
that long to get help. You may be eligible to receive food benefits right away if
you meet expedited food benefit rules.
What are expedited food benefits?
Do I need to apply for this benefit separately?
Expedited food benefits mean you get your food benefits faster when you meet certain
rules. When you qualify, DHS staff must process your application
within seven calendar days of the date you apply. You do not
have to ask for expedited food benefits or apply for expedited benefits separately.
DHS staff checks every food benefit application to see if the household qualifies
for expedited services.
How do I know if I am eligible for Expedited Food Stamps?
A worker will review the answers you gave on your application to see if you qualify.
If it looks like you might be eligible, a worker will interview you the same day
if you apply in person. If you cannot stay to be seen the same day, mail in your
application, or apply online, a worker will contact you to set up a date and time
for the interview.
What are the rules for expedited food benefits?
You are eligible to receive expedited food benefits if:
1. Your household has less
than $150.00 in monthly gross income and you do not have cash resources over $100.00.
2. You are a migrant or seasonal
farm worker and you do not have cash resources over $100.00.
3. Your household’s total monthly
income and cash resources are less than the household’s monthly rent or mortgage,
and utilities.
How can I get more information about Expedited Services?
Call 405-522-5050 for more information.
How will I know if or when my food benefits are approved?
You will receive a letter in the mail called the Notice of Action letter.
This notice will tell you if you were approved or denied for food benefits.
If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits
approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used
to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will
tell you why.
Is there an income limit?
Yes. The income limit is based on the number of people for whom you are applying.
Your answers to application questions will help the DHS worker figure out if you
are eligible.
Is there a limit on the number of people I can apply for?
You can apply for all the people living in your home that buy and fix meals with
you.
Can I have a checking and/or savings account or own a house or car and still
get food benefits?
Yes, you can. The value of these resources does not affect your eligibility for
food benefits. The amount of money in your bank accounts may affect your eligibility
for expedited processing.
How do I get my food benefits?
DHS issues food benefits on an ACCESS Oklahoma electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. If this is your first time to get a card or you have Child Care linked to your card, then you must go to the local DHS office to get your card and watch a video explaining how to use your card. If you have already received an ACCESS Oklahoma card for food benefits in the past, then you will need to contact Xerox online at www.connectebt.com or by calling them at 1-888-328-6551. You will need your current 16 digit card number and PIN or you can access your information by providing your social security number, date of birth, and PIN number. DHS loads more food benefits on your ACCESS Oklahoma card each month you are approved on a staggered basis
What can I buy with my food benefits?
You can buy food as well as plants and seeds to grow food. You will not be charged
sales tax on items you buy with food benefits. You cannot buy pet food, vitamins,
medicines, alcohol, tobacco, fast food or food that will be heated and eaten in
the store.
Where do I use my food benefits?
You can use your ACCESS Oklahoma EBT card at most food stores in the United States.
Stores that take the ACCESS Oklahoma EBT card usually have a debit machine in the
checkout line where you can swipe your EBT card and enter your personal identification
number (PIN). Your PIN, is a 4-number code that you must type into the machine in
order to use your card.
How do I find out the balance on my food benefits card?
There are three ways to find out your food benefit card balance:
1. Whenever you use your ACCESS
Oklahoma card, your receipt will show your balance.
2. You may call the automated
Customer Service line: 1-888-328-6551 and enter your card number.
3. Some stores have a machine
at the customer service counter where you can swipe your card to check your balance.
What if I forget my PIN or want to change my PIN.
Call the Customer Service line at 1-888-328-6551.
Privacy Act Statement:
(i) The collection of this information, including the social security number (SSN) of each household member, is authorized under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 2011-2036. The information will be used to determine whether your household is eligible or continues to be eligible to participate in SNAP. We will verify this information through computer matching programs. This information will also be used to monitor compliance with program regulations and for program management.
(ii) This information may be disclosed to other Federal and State agencies for official examination, and to law enforcement officials for the purpose of apprehending persons fleeing to avoid the law.
(iii) If a SNAP claim arises against your household, the information on this application, including all SSNs, may be referred to Federal and State agencies, as well as private claims collection agencies, for claims collection action.
(iv) Providing the requested information, including the SSN of each household member, is voluntary. However, failure to provide an SSN will result in the denial of SNAP benefits to each individual failing to provide an SSN. Any SSNs provided will be used and disclosed in the same manner as SSNs of eligible household members.
Top Of Page
SoonerCare (Medicaid)
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) administers the SoonerCare (Medicaid)
program in Oklahoma. For general questions and information about SoonerCare (Medicaid),
please call the SoonerCare Helpline at (800) 987-7767 or go to
www.oklahoma.gov/ohca.
What is SoonerCare (Medicaid)?
SoonerCare (Medicaid) is a health coverage program jointly funded by the federal
and state government. This program helps pay for medical costs. The Oklahoma Health
Care Authority (OHCA) is the state agency that administers the program. The Oklahoma
Department of Human Services (DHS) determines financial eligibility for people who
are 65 years of age or older, blind or disabled.
Who might be eligible for SoonerCare (Medicaid)?
1. persons 65 years of age
or older
2. persons who are under 19
years of age
3. certain adults 19 or older
who have minor dependent
4. persons who are blind or
disabled according to the Social Security Administration
5. pregnant women
6. persons needing nursing
services at home or in a nursing home
7. certain adults ages 19 to 64
How do I apply for SoonerCare (Medicaid)?
If you are under 19 years of age, an adult with minor children, pregnant or an adult between the ages of 16 and 65 , you
may:
1. apply online through OHCA's
Online Enrollment system by clicking on this link: SoonerCare Online Enrollment.
2. apply at your local DHS
office during business hours when you are applying for other DHS benefits.
3. apply online using OKDHSLive when you are age 65 or older or disabled.
If you have previously received benefits from DHS, you may apply by clicking on
the Apply for Benefits
hyperlink. If you are a first time user, you will first need
to create a user name and password. You may click on the
Create User ID
hyperlink to do so. You may also
apply for SNAP benefits by printing and completing the Request for Benefits form and mailing or taking
it to your local OKDHS office or by going to your local
DHS office during business hours. Click on
Get Adobe Reader
if you have trouble viewing the Request for Benefits form.
Interview Requirement
You will not need an interview if you meet the following criteria and are eligible
to apply through OHCA’s Online Enrollment system:
•
under 19 years of age;
•
an adult with minor children; or
•
pregnant; or
•
an adult between the ages of 19 and 64.
If you are 65 years of age or older, disabled, blind, or need nursing services at home or in a nursing home, you must complete an interview with a DHS worker and answer some additional eligibility questions. Once DHS receives your OKDHSLive application you will be contacted regarding your interview. Your interview can be conducted in the DHS office or, in some instances, over the telephone.
What verification documents will I need for SoonerCare (Medicaid)?
Everyone must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status.
If you are 65 years of age or older, disabled or blind, you must provide the additional
proof listed below. Depending on your circumstances, you may
need to provide other proof.
You must show at least ONE document for each type of verification.
|
Category
|
Documents
|
|
Proof of U.S. citizenship
|
birth certificate;
voter registration card;
U.S. passport
|
|
Immigration status
|
legal permanent resident card, I-94 or other immigrant registration card, passport
or T visa
|
|
Earned income
|
dated check stubs for the last 30 days that show your name or Social Security
number, date of pay, and income before deductions;
statement from your employer; or
copy of last year’s tax return only if self-employed
|
|
Other income
|
a current benefit check or award letter;
copies of child support or alimony checks; or,
court
order showing benefit amount
|
|
Resources
|
bank statements showing savings and checking account balances;
life insurance policies;
statements of stocks, bonds or certificates of deposit (CDs);
copy of vehicle title;
copy of the title and mortgage statement for property you own other than
where you live
|
|
Social Security numbers
|
Social Security cards or numbers
|
How long does it take to get medical benefits?
If you are 65 years of age or older, disabled, or blind, it may take up to 45
calendar days from the date you apply to approve or deny your application. It usually
doesn't take that long to get help.
For adults with children or pregnant women who properly submit their application
using the Online Enrollment system and are determined eligible, medical benefits
begin immediately.
How will I know if or when my medical benefits are approved?
You will receive a notice in the mail. This notice will tell you who was approved
or denied for medical benefits and the effective date of the action. If you apply
online through OHCA’s Online Enrollment system, you will immediately be told who
is approved and who is denied, and you are given the option of printing off the
information. If you are approved for long term care, the notice
will also show how much you need to pay toward the cost of care.
Is there an income or resource limit?
Yes. The income and resource limits vary for different groups of people. If you
are under 19 years of age, an adult with a minor child or if you are pregnant, the
income standards are on
OHCA’s website If you are over 65 years of age or older,
blind or disabled, Schedule VI of Appendix C-1, Maximum Income, Resource, and Payment
Standards shows the income and resources standards. The income and
resource standards for nursing home care or nursing care in your home are on Schedule
VIII of
Appendix C-1, Maximum Income, Resource, and Payment Standards.
Can I still apply for SoonerCare (Medicaid) if I have other health insurance?
Yes. You will need to give information about your health insurance before SoonerCare
(Medicaid) pays any medical bills. Your insurance company must be billed before
SoonerCare (Medicaid) is billed.
How do I use my medical benefits?
To learn more about your SoonerCare benefits, go to the OHCA’s website at www.oklahoma.gov/ohca to:
•
information about your SoonerCare benefits;
•
find a provider search tool;
•
if you applied on MySoonerCare.org how to access your account and your medical card;
•
and more about SoonerCare.
Top Of Page
Child Care Subsidy Benefits
How does DHS help me pay for child care?
If eligible, DHS will pay all or part of your child care costs directly to a licensed
and contracted child care provider while you work, attend school or training. You
may be required to pay a portion of child care costs based on your household income.
What ages do my children have to be to qualify for child care benefits?
Child care may be approved from birth to age 13. Children with disabilities may qualify up to age 19.
How do I apply for Child Care Subsidy benefits?
If you previously received benefits from DHS, you may apply by clicking on the
Apply for Benefits
hyperlink. If you are a first time user, you will first need
to create a user name and password. You may click on the Create User ID hyperlink
to do so.
Interview Requirement
After you submit the online application, you must
complete an interview with a DHS worker and answer some additional eligibility questions.
If you apply at the DHS office, come prepared to be interviewed the same day. If you apply online and provide a telephone
number, the worker will try to contact you to complete the interview by telephone
or to arrange an appointment. If the worker is unable to reach you at this number,
you will receive a letter scheduling an interview.
What verification documents will I need to provide for Child Care Subsidy benefits?
You must show at least ONE document for each type of verification.
|
Category
|
Documents
|
|
Identity of applicant
|
birth certificate;
driver's license;
paycheck showing your name;
voter registration card;
school records; or,
U.S. passport
|
|
Immigration status of child if child is a non-citizen
|
I-94; or
other immigrant registration card, passport or T visa
|
|
Earned income
|
check stubs for the last 30 days that show your name or Social
Security number, date of pay, and income before deductions;
statement from your employer; or
copy of last year’s tax return only if self-employed
|
|
Other income
|
a current benefit check or award letter;
copies of child support or alimony checks; or,
court order showing benefit amount
|
|
Need for child care
|
work, training and/or school schedule for the child's
parent(s) or caretaker(s) living in the home. If it varies, the schedule must reflect
this.
|
You must also provide the name of the child care provider you wish to use. If
you choose a child care center, that center must be at two, three, four or five star
status unless certain exception criteria is met. Find a provider by using the
Child Care Locator.
Can I choose any child care provider?
You may choose a family child care home or a child care center that has a license
and contract through DHS. A child care provider can be found using the
Child Care
Locator or by contacting the Oklahoma Child Care Resource and Referral
Agency at 1-888-962-2772 or 405-525-8783 for Spanish.You cannot choose a child care home where you work or one in which you live. You cannot choose a child care home or center in which you have an ownership interest. You can also choose to use
an in-home provider. This is when a relative who meets a required degree of relationship comes into your home to
care for your child. Have the chosen relative email InHomeChildCare@okdhs.org if you are interested in this option.
How can I get more information about the child care provider I have chosen, including the quality rating of the program and the program’s history of compliance with health and safety standards?
For more information about the monitoring of child care programs by Child Care Services Licensing staff, please visit the Parents and Families webpage on the new Child Care Services Consumer Education website. This webpage contains general information about health and safety for children in child care as well as links to the Child Care Locator so you can check the quality rating and monitoring history of your chosen child care provider.
I just started my job and my employer will not give me proof of my income.
What can I do?
Let your worker know about the problem right away. Your worker will try to contact
your employer to get the information over the telephone. If your worker is unable
to contact your employer,they can approve 30 days of child care based upon
your statement of the hours you will work. You must provide proof of your income
before any more child care is approved.
How soon will my child care benefits be approved?
The earliest date child care can be approved is the date that you complete the
interview and provide all needed verification. This includes the name of the provider
you choose. if you are eligible, your worker must approve your application within 2 working days
of completing an interview and receiving all necessary verification from you.
How will I know if or when my child care benefits are approved?
You will receive a Notice of Action letter. This notice will tell you if your
benefits were approved or denied. If approved, the letter will tell you how much
you need to pay toward the cost of care (this is called a family share copayment)
and how much care is approved.
What are the income limits for child care benefits?
Appendix C-4, Child Care Eligibility/Co-payment Chart gives income
eligibility limits. The income eligibility limits vary based on family size and amount of income.
How do I use my child care benefits?
You will be given an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card when you apply for
child care benefits. This card is used to track the days and times your child attends
the child care facility. You must watch an EBT training video that explains how
to use your card and your responsibilities before you get the card.
Top Of Page
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
What is TANF?
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides a small, temporary
cash assistance payment to low income families of children who are deprived of
parental support due to absence, death, incapacity or chronic unemployment
while gaining education and work skills leading to full time employment.
How do I know if I am eligible for TANF?
Family households must first meet the basic eligibility criteria:
Biological, adoptive or other relative child(ren) under the age of 18 living in the home.
Deprivation of parental support due to absence, death, incapacity, or chronic unemployment of one or both biological parents.
Agree to cooperate in pursuing child support services against the parent who is absent from the home, unless good cause is established by Oklahoma Child Support Services.
Agree to cooperate with required drug screening and testing policies.
Agree to participate in an approved education and/or work training component for a minimum of 30 hours each week.
Meet all other income, household, resource eligibility factors as discussed in your face to face interview.
How do I apply for TANF?
If you previously received benefits from DHS, you may apply by clicking on the Apply for Benefits hyperlink. If you are a first time user, you will first need to create a user name and password. You may click on the Create User ID hyperlink to do so. You may also apply for TANF benefits by printing and completing the Request for Benefits form. You can then mail, fax, email, or take it to your local DHS office during business hours. Click on Get Adobe Reader if you have trouble viewing the Request for Benefits form.
Please note: Once a TANF application is initiated, an appointment will be scheduled for a face to face interview to complete the application process and determine your eligibility for TANF. This interview will be conducted at your
local DHS office . TANF interview must be completed in person and cannot be conducted by telephone.
Even if you are not eligible for TANF, you may still be eligible for other services offered by DHS.
Top Of Page
Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
What is LIHEAP?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to income eligible Oklahoma households to help meet the cost of home energy.
How do I apply for LIHEAP benefits?
We have three open enrollment periods the:
1. non-emergency winter heating program,
2. non-emergency summer cooling program,
3. Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECAP).
During open enrollment, you may apply using www.okdhslive.org.
Visit OKDHS.gov for anticipated open enrollment dates. Please be aware that several factors could result in a delayed open enrollment.
To qualify for ECAP, the household must meet one of the energy crisis criteria listed below.
An energy crisis exists when the energy provider:
Refuses to start, continue or restore service without payment;
Plans to cut off the household’s service unless the provider receives payment;
Declines to provide additional fuel without payment and the household’s fuel tank is at or below 10% for ECAP and at or below 25% for life threatening;
Verifies a cash only, cash advance, or pre-paid account has less than a $25 minimum balance in the account;
Has depleted an alternative fuel source (i.e. Wood, Corn Pellets, Kerosene, etc.)
Requires a new connection or reconnection fee and the security deposit;
Enters into a payment plan with the household to prevent the service cut off.
What if I have a life threatening situation?
Life threatening energy assistance is available throughout the year if funding allows. Life threatening households must meet LIHEAP eligibility and the criteria listed below for medical equipment or medical condition.
To be eligible for medical equipment life threatening energy assistance, you must provide:
A statement or records from a licensed health care professional dated within the last 60 days verifying the medical equipment is prescribed, no battery backup is available, and the situation is life threatening without the medical equipment. And
A verified active cutoff order for the provider that operates the medical equipment.
To be eligible for medical condition life threatening energy assistance, you must provide:
A statement or records from a licensed health care professional dated within the last 60 days verifying the household member has a pre-existing medical condition that requires heating or cooling and the situation is life threatening without the utility service. And
A verified active cutoff order for the utility that operates the heat in the winter or the cooling in the summer. And
The day of cutoff the temperature will be verified and must be:
•
in summer the temperature is predicted to be a heat index of at least 101 degrees, or
•
in winter the temperature is predicted to be 32 degrees or lower during day-time hours and/or 20 degrees or lower during night-time hours.
You can submit a life threatening referral for medical equipment and medical condition by calling 405-522-5050.
Eligibility Requirements
When you apply for LIHEAP, you will need to include everyone who uses the same utility meter or utility source.
What LIHEAP verification documents will I need to provide?
When you apply for LIHEAP, you will need to provide a utility account number and your utility provider’s information. The chart below shows the type of documents you may need to provide.
|
Category
|
Documents
|
|
Identity of applicant
|
birth certificate;
driver's license;
paycheck;
voter registration card;
school records; or,
U.S. passport
|
|
Earned income
|
check stubs for the last 30 days that show your name or Social
Security number, date of pay, and income before deductions;
statement from your employer; or
copy of last year’s tax return only if self-employed
|
|
Other income
|
a current benefit check or award letter;
copies of child support or alimony checks; or,
court order showing benefit amount
|
|
Medical Expenses (optional)
|
only needed for household members who are 60 years of age or older or permanently disabled if you want to receive a medical deduction.
Please provide proof of medical expenses (itemized receipts, billing statements etc.). Allowable expenses include but are not limited to: medical and dental care costs, prescription drugs, doctor approved over-the-counter medications and supplies; Medicare premiums, dentures, hearing aids, prosthetics, eye glasses, maintaining a home health aide, reasonable cost of transportation and lodging to obtain medical treatment or services only
claim the amount you spend in a month, Look over your monthly expenses, add them together, and claim this amount as a deduction.
|
|
Immigration Status
|
a document that shows your lawful immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen
|
|
Social Security numbers
|
Social Security cards or numbers
|
|
Utility Notice (if you apply for Energy Crisis Assistance or Life Threatening Energy Assistance)
|
an active cut-off notice;
a utility analysis for new account establishing; or,
a refusal notice to deliver additional fuel for non-payment.
|
How long does it take to receive LIHEAP benefits?
For LIHEAP Summer Cooling or Winter Heating benefit, if eligible, it may take up to 90 days for the provider to reflect your LIHEAP benefit. If your provider is not a LIHEAP participating provider, you will receive your LIHEAP benefit in the form of an Oklahoma Master Debit Card or direct deposit if you have enrolled in State Supplemental Payment (SSP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF).
What about the energy crisis or life-threatening energy assistance?
From the time all verification is provided and validated, the eligibility determinization may take up to:
48 hours for energy crisis (ECAP).
18 hours for life threatening energy assistance.
A pledge will be sent to participating providers to prevent service being shut-off. Please keep in mind that some providers do not accept a pledge as a form of payment.
How do I know if I am eligible for LIHEAP?
You will receive a letter in the mail called the Notice of Action letter. This notice will tell you if you were approved or denied for LIHEAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will reflect the benefit amount. If you are denied, the notice will tell you why.
How much am I eligible for LIHEAP?
Your LIHEAP Summer Cooling benefit is based on income and household size. The LIHEAP Winter Heating benefit in addition to income and household can vary based on fuel type or roomer/boarder status. If eligible for energy crisis
or life-threatening benefit, OKDHS will authorize the minimum payment to resolve the energy crisis for one month. A household may only receive $750 per federal fiscal year in energy crisis payments. OKDHS will not pay for a final bill at a former service address, old debt carried over to the new account , or any services not covered by LIHEAP.
What are the rules in LIHEAP?
All household members using the same utility meter or utility source must apply together.
For integrated bills that include other utilities such as water, trash, and sewer only the cooling/heating portion of the bill will be authorized.
Is there an income limit?
Yes. The income limit is based on the number of people sharing the same meter or utility source. See this
link
for specific income guidelines.
How do I find out the balance on my Oklahoma Master Debit card?
LIHEAP benefits will only be issued to you in the form of an Oklahoma Master Debit card if your utility provider is a not a LIHEAP participant and you have no registered bank account for your State Supplemental Payment (SSP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) benefit. You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of your card. If there is a problem with the LIHEAP benefit, you must contact us at 405-522-5050, select the energy assistance options,
to resolve the card issue.
Top Of Page
Citizenship and benefits
Do I have to tell you whether I am a United States citizen?
Yes. When you apply for state or federal public benefits such as child care, food
benefits, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, SoonerCare (Medicaid), State
Supplemental Payment, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, you must declare
the citizenship status of every person for whom you are applying.
When you state that a person is not a citizen, you must declare whether the person
lives in the United States lawfully. The application form contains a statement advising
you that OKDHS reports false statements regarding citizenship or lawful immigrant
status to the U.S. Attorney and you might be subject to criminal prosecution.
When you apply for SoonerCare (Medicaid), you must provide proof of the citizenship
or immigrant status for everyone applying for benefits. Proof includes documents
such as your birth certificate, passport, legal permanent resident card, I-94 or
other immigrant registration card.
Can I receive benefits if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You may be eligible if you are considered a qualified immigrant. Qualified immigrants
include legal permanent residents, refugees, asylees (persons who have been granted
asylum), persons granted withholding of deportation or removal, Cuban/Haitian entrants,
persons paroled into the U.S. for a least one year by immigration authorities, persons
granted conditional entry pursuant to Section 203(a)(7) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act, certain victims of domestic violence or victims of human trafficking.
Depending on the program you are applying for and your qualified immigrant status,
you may be eligible right away or you may have to live in the United States for
five years before you are eligible. When you apply for benefits and provide proof
of your immigrant status, your worker can tell you whether you are eligible.
Can my children get benefits if I don't have immigration documents or don't
qualify for myself?
If your children are United States citizens, they can receive benefits even if
you are not eligible. Your income will be used to decide whether they meet income
guidelines. If your children are not United States citizens, you will need to provide
immigration documents for them before your worker can determine whether they are
eligible for benefits.
If I receive benefits for my children, will it make it harder for me to become
a citizen or legal permanent resident?
When your children receive food benefits or SoonerCare (Medicaid), it will not
affect whether you can become a citizen or legal permanent resident as long as you
did not give false information to get the benefits. It might make it harder if you
are currently receiving a cash benefit for them and that is your family's only
source of income.
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Oklahoma School Breakfast and Lunch Program
Program Description
The objectives of the National School Lunch Program are to make available to all
students enrolled in schools and institutions a nutritionally adequate meal during
a period designated as the lunch period. The purposes of the School Breakfast Program
are to make breakfast available in schools for students who for various reasons
come to school without an adequate breakfast and to increase the number of school
breakfast programs by continuing to notify all non-breakfast-program schools of
the program. Both programs are administered by the Child Nutrition Office of the
Oklahoma Department of Education.
What are the benefits of the School Meal Program?
For families that qualify, their children are entitled to nutritionally balanced
meals at no charge or at a reduced price. Consequently, students learn more, work
faster and score higher on tests. Participating in the School Meals Programs can
also help our schools qualify for much needed grant funding, which is directly tied
to the percentage of applications returned from qualifying students.
Who can get free or reduced-price meals?
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state
of Oklahoma and a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child(ren) who attends
school (high school or under).
·
All children receiving benefits from Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), Food Distribution Program
on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
are eligible for free meals.
·
Foster children who are under the legal responsibility of
a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals.
·
Children participating in their school’s Head Start program
are eligible for free meals.
·
Children may receive free or reduced-price meals if your
income is within the income guidelines listed below.
|
Federal Eligibility Income Chart for School Year:
2016
|
|
Household Size
|
Yearly
|
Monthly
|
Weekly
|
|
1
|
$21,775
|
$1,815
|
$419
|
|
2
|
$29,471
|
$2,456
|
$567
|
|
3
|
$37,167
|
$3,098
|
$715
|
|
4
|
$44,863
|
$3,739
|
$863
|
|
5
|
$52,559
|
$4,380
|
$1,011
|
|
6
|
$60,255
|
$5,022
|
$1,159
|
|
7
|
$67,951
|
$5,663
|
$1,307
|
|
8
|
$75,647
|
$6,304
|
$1,455
|
|
Each additional person
|
$7,696
|
$642
|
$148
|
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child's school. A listing
of your state's schools can be found at this hyperlink: Statewide School Directory | Oklahoma
State Department of Education.
Program Contact Information
Please visit the
Oklahoma Child Nutrition hyperlink to learn more about the programs.
You may call the Oklahoma Department of Education at: 405-521-3327 for more information.
When do I learn if my application is approved?
School districts try to approve applications as soon as they are submitted. Families
are required to be notified in writing only if the benefits are denied.
Contact your child's school for more information.
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WIC
What is WIC?
The Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) provides
nutritious foods to supplement the diets of women, infants, and children. WIC foods
are specifically chosen to provide the nutrients you and your children need (WIC
Approved Foods).
WIC gives information about healthy eating and promotes active lifestyles! WIC
offers nutrition education in three formats.
1. Online nutrition education
2. Interactive nutrition and fitness group classes
3. Private consultations with Registered/Licensed Dietitians
(RD/LD). RD/LDs are nutrition experts available through the WIC Program and are
your most reliable source of nutrition information.
As a WIC participant, you will also receive information about additional programs
that can contribute to you and your family’s overall health.
Documented Benefits of WIC
Pregnant women who participate in WIC receive prenatal care earlier
Children who participate in WIC are more likely to have a regular source of medical
care and are less likely to be anemic
Each WIC participant receives at least one referral to a healthcare or social
service program
Moms who participate in WIC are more likely to choose breastfeeding
WIC increases the duration of pregnancy and positively impacts babies’ weights
prenatally
Who Is Eligible and How To Apply
Who is eligible for WIC?
1. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have recently
given birth
2. Infants
3. Children up to the age of five
Will I qualify for WIC benefits?
You might qualify if you:
1. Live in the state of Oklahoma
2. Have a family income within program limits
3. If you receive SoonerCare (Medicaid), SNAP or TANF, you
are automatically eligible for WIC benefits.
Click
here for the online prescreening tool to help determine if you
qualify.
How do I apply for WIC benefits?
Applying for WIC is easy!
Apply for WIC online at this link
Clinic staff will contact you once your application has been received to obtain any additional information and set up and appointment
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Accessibility