Nearly 4 million people call Oklahoma home. It’s a state known for its beautiful natural areas, visited and appreciated by residents and tourists alike. While the state has a lower cost of living, there are still some people who struggle each year financially. When this happens it is important to know where to turn to for assistance. The good news is that there are programs that offer financial help for African Americans in Oklahoma.
The programs offering financial help for African Americans in Oklahoma are often funded by the federal government. There are some others that are funded by the state government, and others made possible by organizations that simply want to help people in the community. The financial help provided by any of these programs is not considered a loan, so it never has to be paid back.
Be sure to apply for as many of the programs you feel qualified for, because there is no limit to how many you can get help from at one time. Getting financial help from several programs at once will help ensure that your basic needs are met during a difficult financial period.
Financial Help for African Americans in Oklahoma
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides financial help for African Americans in Oklahoma by providing a source to pay for food each month. Those who are approved will receive a monthly benefit that is added to a debit-style card. The card can be used as a payment source each month at the grocery store or famer’s market. There is no limit to how long you can receive financial help from SNAP in Oklahoma. As long as you continue to need help you can get it. This program is open to those who have a low income, adhere to the work requirements, provide a Social Security number, and are a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides a cash benefit as financial help for African Americans in Oklahoma. Those who are approved for the program will receive a monthly cash benefit that can be used for living expenses, such as housing, transportation, food, clothing, and paying bills. To qualify for the program you have to have a low income, have at least one minor child you are caring for, provide a Social Security number, cooperate with child support services, and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is typically a 60-month maximum on how long you can receive help through this program. To get more information or apply, click here.
Medicaid – This program provides those who qualify with free healthcare, which can add up to significant financial help for African Americans in Oklahoma. Those who are approved for the program will be able to get healthcare services for free, including going to the doctor, specialists, dentist, hospital, etc. You will also be able to get prescription drugs for free. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can receive financial help through Medicaid. To get more information or apply for the program, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program helps people pay for their energy bills. Those who qualify for help will be able to get one energy bill paid per year. You will have to re-apply for the assistance each year that you need help. If you are approved, the funds will be paid directly to the energy provider on your behalf. To qualify, you have to have a low income, be the person responsible for paying the bill, and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. You can apply for this program online. To get more information or apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program provides financial help for African Americans by providing housing assistance. Those who are approved for the program will be able to get help with paying rent, avoiding foreclosure, and more. They also own housing units that they allow people to live in, and they will provide weatherization services, which will help reduce your monthly energy bills. To get more information, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This organization is for pregnant women and women who have a child who is age five and under. If you meet that requirement and have a low income then you may be able to get financial assistance through the program. If you are approved you will be able to get free healthy food each month, breastfeeding support, baby formula, and more. To apply for this program you have to visit a WIC clinic in person. To find one near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization focuses on helping people in the community who need financial assistance. They are affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and offer over 3,000 locations around the country. The organization doesn’t require those they help to be religious. Their services are open to anyone in the community who needs help. Some of the programs they offer focus on providing free food, clothing, shelter, and counseling services. To find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization offers locations around the country and each one provides programs to help people in the community it is in. The organization provides financial help for African Americans by offering programs that focus on helping people obtain food, shelter, clothing, pay bills, and more. They also offer counseling services and a variety of services to help certain populations, such as veterans and seniors. Contact the location near you to see what programs they offer that may be off assistance to you. To get more information or find a location near you, click here.