Learn About Oklahoma Food Stamps

Updated on 09/30/2022

Oklahoma food stamps are issued by the state Department of Human Services (OKDHS) to low-income families who need help affording groceries on a monthly basis. This benefit, which is officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), makes it easier for families and individuals to access healthy and affordable food that can be cooked at home.

SNAP food stamps are loaded onto a plastic electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that participants can use at a variety of grocery stores and farmers’ markets to purchase eligible items. Families and individuals who need help paying for groceries must meet several eligibility requirements and submit an application to the OKDHS to start getting benefits. To learn more about the SNAP program in Oklahoma and discover important information on applying and using benefits, read the sections below.

Learn About Oklahoma Food Stamps Requirements

The general requirements for your food stamps eligibility in Oklahoma are based on your income, financial resources and citizenship status. Moreover, your age, disability status, employment status and family size and composition can affect your eligibility as well.

In some cases, you may meet the food stamp qualifications automatically, such as in the event that you have already qualified for other government programs that provide similar benefits. However, it is still necessary to apply for food assistance, as these benefits will not start automatically for eligible families.

Understanding the SNAP income guidelines is the first step in determining your eligibility. Overall, your household must be considered low income, which means that your income is at or below 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In any case, keep in mind that your income limit varies based on your family size. Generally, a larger family can qualify with a higher income.

In addition to meeting the Oklahoma food stamp income guidelines, you also need to have a limited amount of financial resources in order to qualify. Resources include bank accounts, savings bonds, cash and other similar assets. However, be mindful that your home and other similar resources (such as your vehicle) may be excluded for this program.

Remember that your Oklahoma food stamps eligibility is affected by the size of your household. As a result, it is necessary to estimate the income level and the number of resources of each household member when determining if you can qualify. In most cases, a household includes everyone who lives and eats together in the same home.

Moreover, the SNAP program may also include other individuals that contribute to a family’s income, regardless of where they live or whether they share meals in the same household. For example, the spouse of any household member will generally be counted, even if he or she does not live with the rest of the family unit.

Other important food stamp qualifications in OK relate to an applicant’s U.S. citizenship and identity. As a general rule, SNAP is only available to U.S. citizens and legal residents. Furthermore, each applicant must provide a Social Security Number (SSN), and the head of the household needs to provide a form of identification.

Various documents will be required to verify that your family is eligible for these benefits. As such, you must prove your Oklahoma SNAP eligibility by providing pay stubs, bank statements, benefit award letters and other relevant paperwork that will certify your qualifications. By downloading our free guide, you can learn more about food stamps requirements.

How to Apply for Food Stamps in Oklahoma

If you believe that you are eligible for assistance, you may apply for food stamps online, in person or by mail. In order to submit an application online, you must visit the official state portal that administers most types of benefits provided by the DHS. If you have applied for government benefits in the past, you may log into your existing account. Otherwise, you may create an account as a new user. Then, you must fill in the required fields and submit your application.

If you are unsure of your eligibility, you may also fill out a pre-screening form online. However, if you wish to receive benefits, you still need to complete an official Oklahoma food stamp application after completing the pre-screening.

As an alternative to applying online, you may also complete a paper form and return it to your local DHS office by mail or in person. Application forms may be printed from the official state portal or picked up in person. No matter the method you use to apply for food stamps, the same types of information will be required. In order to get SNAP assistance in Oklahoma, you must verify the information provided on your application form. Documents you may need to produce include:

  • A form of identification
  • The Social Security number (SSN) of each household member
  • Pay stubs or other proof of income
  • Bank statements and other proof of resources
  • Proof of Oklahoma residency

If you are eligible for any deductions to your income, you must provide evidence of your expenses. For example, if you qualify for a deduction that is based on your shelter costs or excess medical bills, you will likely be required to show receipts, bills or other documentation that details your expenses.

Once you apply for food stamps in Oklahoma, you will need to participate in an interview. Benefit interviews may be conducted in person or over the phone. The purpose of the interview is to verify your eligibility and analyze your documentation.

Learn About SNAP Benefits in Oklahoma

You will be notified as to whether you can receive SNAP benefits in Oklahoma after you successfully submit your application. Generally, a letter will be sent in the mail no longer than 30 days after you apply. If you have extremely limited resources, you may qualify for emergency food assistance that starts in as little as seven days.

Oklahoma food stamp benefits are deposited onto an EBT card on a monthly basis, which you may use just like a debit card to purchase eligible food items. Foods you are allowed to purchase include:

  • Meat, fish and poultry
  • Dairy products and dairy alternatives
  • Fruits and veggies
  • Snacks and beverages
  • Grains, cereal and bread

You cannot use Oklahoma SNAP food benefits to buy alcohol, tobacco, household supplies or other non-food items. Furthermore, you are not allowed to spend your benefits on hot or prepared foods that are meant for immediate consumption. Get our free guide to learn more about using your benefits.

Contact Information

Name: Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS)

Phone Number: (405) 521-3444 or (800) 522-3511

Address: 2400 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73150

Director: Samantha Galloway

(405) 521-3444