OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Oklahoma TANF provides time-limited cash assistance to eligible families with children under the age of 18, helping them meet basic needs while working toward self-sufficiency.

The program’s purposes include:

1. to provide temporary assistance to needy families;
2. to end dependency of needy parents by offering job training and employment services to help parents find and keep their jobs.

As a condition of eligibility, all TANF recipients who aren’t exempt are required to participate in work related activities for a specified number of hours per week.

How much does TANF pay in Oklahoma?

The maximum monthly cash benefit for a family of three with no countable income may receive is $292. Actual benefit amounts may be lower depending on the family’s earned income.

How do I apply for TANF in Oklahoma?

You can apply for TANF through OKDHSLive!  or submit a “Request for Benefits” form in person at any Department of Human Services (DHS) office.

Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Customer Service / Benefits Assistance
(405) 522-5050

Oklahoma Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Oklahoma SNAP helps low-income Oklahomans of all ages improve their diets by providing monthly food and nutrition assistance at no cost.

Benefits range from a minimum of $298 per household member to a maximum of $785 for a family of three, depending on household size and income.

If deemed eligible, you’ll receive your benefits through the “Access Oklahoma EBT” card on the same day of each month you are eligible.

How do I apply for SNAP in Oklahoma?

You can apply for SNAP online through OKDHSLive!  or in person at any Department of Human Services (DHS) office. As part of the application process, you must complete an interview, either over the phone or in person.

Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Customer Service / Benefits Assistance
(405) 522-5050

Oklahoma Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Oklahoma WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant and breastfeeding women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.

The program provides monthly benefits for buying healthy foods to supplement their diet. Additional benefits include nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and social services.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in Oklahoma.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

What is the income limit for WIC in Oklahoma?

WIC is open to Oklahoma families with a household income less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level. That’s about $4,109 per month for a family of three.

How do I apply for WIC in Oklahoma?

To apply for WIC in Oklahoma, use the online WIC enrollment request tool  to schedule your first WIC appointment. During this appointment, the staff will complete your eligibility determination and enrollment.

Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Oklahoma WIC Clinics 
(405) 426-8500

Oklahoma SoonerCare

SoonerCare, Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, provides health and long-term care coverage to eligible Oklahoma residents, including uninsured children under age 19, parents, and pregnant women.

SoonerCare provides free health coverage to those who meet the income guidelines; however, small copayments may apply for certain services, such as doctor visits, prescription drugs, and laboratory services.

Soon-to-be-Sooners are Oklahoma’s pregnancy-only benefits for women at 138% of the federal poverty level who are not enrolled in regular SoonerCare.

What is the income limit for SoonerCare Oklahoma?

As Oklahoma is expanding coverage, SoonerCare is now available to all adults age between age 19—64 with incomes up to 138% of the poverty level.

Children under age 19 and pregnant women may be eligible at higher income levels , up to 210% of the federal poverty level.

How do I apply for SoonerCare online?

If you want to apply for health insurance for yourself and eligible household members who live with you, you may apply online at apply.okhca.org .

You may also apply in person at your local OKDHS county office  where the OKDHS workers will assist you in applying for SoonerCare benefits.

Oklahoma Health Care Authority
SoonerCare Helpline
(800) 987-7767

Oklahoma Child Care Assistance Program

According to Oklahoma Department of Human Services, income eligibility will return to 55% of State Median Income on July 1, 2026. ¹

Oklahoma Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available for children under age 13 or up to age 18 for children with special needs whose parent is either employed or enrolled in school.

The program pays for part of the child care costs, and the parent co-pays for a portion  based on their income, family size and the number of children in care.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Oklahoma?

Families may qualify if their gross household income is equal to or less than $85% of the State Median Income (SMI). For a family of three, that’s about $5,589 per month.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Oklahoma?

Parents and guardians applying for subsidy for the first time may apply in person, by email or online at OKDHSLive.org , and select Child Care from the Key Information list.

Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Child Care Subsidy Program
(405) 521-3431

Oklahoma Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) Program

Oklahoma offers free, voluntary universal pre-kindergarten to all 4-year-olds in every school district through its statewide Early Childhood Four-Year-Old Program.

The program is open to all children who are 4 years old by September 1 of the current school year, regardless of family income.

Pre-K classes focus on:

• Increasing language and vocabulary skills
• Learning early literacy skills
• Interacting with age-appropriate technology
• Providing math and science experiences
• Exploring the world around them
• Promoting healthy habits
• Following directions
• Understanding rules and citizenship
• Creating and maintaining friendships

Because Pre-K is voluntary and seats are often limited, many districts, such as Edmond Public Schools and Deer Creek, use a lottery system or a first-come, first-served model.

How do I apply for Pre-K in Oklahoma?

To apply for Pre-K in Oklahoma, you need to complete an online application through your local school district, providing documents like your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency.

Most districts open Pre-K enrollment in February or March for the upcoming school year. For exact dates, contact your local school district.

Oklahoma Housing Choice Voucher Program

OHFA’s Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is currently closed to new applicants. The waiting list is closed due to a lack of funding.

Oklahoma Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly called Section 8, is a federally funded State’s program which assists low income families in paying their rent and utilities. Eligible families will have part of their rent paid each month by the Oklahoma City Housing Authority.

Families determined eligible for the program will receive a Housing Choice Voucher to rent a unit of their choice within the Oklahoma City limits.

How do I apply for Section 8 in Oklahoma?

To apply for Section 8, you must register at portal.ochanet.org  with a login and password then follow the directions to complete the on-line pre-application process.

Eligible pre-applications received through the portal will be entered on the waiting list in the order received. When the voucher is issued, you have 60 days to locate a suitable unit.

Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA)
Housing Choice Voucher Program
(405) 419-8169

Oklahoma Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Oklahoma LIHEAP provides eligible low-income Oklahoma households with winter heating bill assistance when utility bills are highest.

The program also pays for summer cooling assistance during the summer months and emergency help through programs like Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECAP).

LIHEAP is offered twice a year for winter heating and summer cooling with separate application periods, subject to the availability of funds.

What is the income limit for LIHEAP in Oklahoma?

Households are income-eligible for LIHEAP when their gross income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level for their household size.

For example, a three-person household in Oklahoma with a monthly household income of $2,887 or less might qualify for LIHEAP.

Oklahoma Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECAP)

Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECAP) provides emergency assistance to households facing energy emergencies, such as imminent utility shutoffs.

Each eligible household may receive one payment per program year, capped at $750, and applications are accepted until available funds are exhausted.

To be eligible, a utility provider must verify that the household has an active shutoff notice on the day the ECAP application is submitted.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in Oklahoma?

During open enrollment you can apply online through OKDHSLive.org  where you submit your application with documents like utility bills and income proof.

Native American households may apply on OKDHSlive or through their tribal nation. However, each household can only receive winter heating assistance from one entity.

For life-threatening medical crises, call (405) 522-5050 for immediate assistance.

Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(405) 522-5050

Oklahoma Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Oklahoma LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program designed to help low-income households and families who have fallen behind on their water and wastewater bills.

Oklahomans eligible for LIHWAP benefits will have a one-time credit applied to their water utilities account. Depending on the household’s income and water needs, that credit will be between $80 and $750 .

Twenty-two tribes in Oklahoma are also providing LIHWAP benefits, each with its own independent process for determining eligibility .

How can I get help with my water bill in Oklahoma?

If you are struggling to pay your water or wastewater bills, you can submit your application for LIHWAP through OKDHSLive.org  along with a copy of your most recent utility bill.

Oklahoma Unemployment Insurance

Oklahoma Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a program of social insurance that provides a temporary source of income for workers unemployed through no fault of their own.

To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period  and must have:

1. wages in at least two quarters of the base period,
2. earned a total of at least $1,500 during the base period, and
3. total base-period wages of at least 1.5 times the wages earned in your highest-paid quarter.

For example, if your highest-paid quarter was $2,000, your total base-period wages must be at least $3,000 ($2,000 × 1.5), and these wages must be earned in at least two quarters of the base period.

How much unemployment benefits can I get in Oklahoma?

Depending on how much you have earned in your base period, you may receive up to $541 per week for a maximum of 16 weeks of unemployment benefits per year.

As a condition of eligibility, you are also required to register for employment services at OKJobMatch.com within seven (7) days of filing your initial claim.

How do I file for unemployment online in Oklahoma?

You can file for unemployment benefits in Oklahoma online or by phone. To file online, use the OESC Claimant Portal , the state’s official online portal for filing unemployment claims.

To apply by phone, call (405) 525-1500 if you live in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, or (800) 555-1554 if you live elsewhere in the state.

Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grants (OTAG)

Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grants (OTAG) is a need-based financial aid program for Oklahoma residents attending eligible colleges, universities, and career technology centers within the state.

The current maximum annual award is the lesser of 75 percent of enrollment costs or up to $1,500 for students attending public colleges, universities or career technology centers, and $2,000 for students attending eligible private colleges or universities.

FAFSA serves as the primary application for Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant. Students should complete and submit their FAFSA as soon as it becomes available on or after October 1.

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
(800) 858-1840

Oklahoma Promise

Oklahoma PROMISE is a state-funded scholarship program covering tuition at Oklahoma public colleges, universities, or approved private institutions for eligible students.

It targets students in grades 8–12 with a family income of $60,000 or less, requiring them to meet specific academic (2.5 GPA) and conduct standards.

The award amount is determined annually  by the Oklahoma State Regents and vary based on the type of institution attended and the number of credit hours in which the student enrolls.

Applications for Oklahoma PROMISE is available online through OKcollegestart.org . For the 2025—2026 academic year, high school seniors must apply by December 31, 2025.

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
(800) 858-1840

Oklahoma Single Parent Scholarship

Low-income single parents attending college in Oklahoma or Cleveland counties may be eligible to apply for Oklahoma Single Parent Scholarship.

Students are awarded $1,200 per semester, and must be the primary custodian of a child under 18, take at least 6 hours per semester, maintain a GPA of 2.5 and be eligible to receive federal Pell Grant.

Applications for Single Parent Scholarship are open from May 15 to June 15, 2026 and are available via the OSPSP website at www.okspsp.org .

Oklahoma Single Parent Scholarship Program
(405) 296-6515

Oklahoma Earned Income Tax Credit

Oklahoma’s EITC is the little sister of the federal EITC — a tax credit designed to benefit low- and moderate-income working families and individuals.

The state of Oklahoma once allowed the EITC to be both non-refundable and refundable. However, for the 2016 filing year, Oklahoma’s EITC has been made non-refundable. In 2021, Oklahoma reversed this decision and restored refundability of the credit. ²

Qualifying taxpayers could now claim the credit to offset any taxes they owe, and use the credit to claim cash refund beyond their tax liability.

How much is Oklahoma Earned Income Credit?

Oklahoma EITC is set at 5% for the federal EITC, making it one of the lowest rates in the nation among the over 30 states (plus D.C.) that offer the credit.

Can I get a refund if I owe no tax in Oklahoma?

If your Oklahoma EITC is $402 and you owe $0 in state income tax, and you receive the full $402 as a refund as illustrated in the table below: