Oklahoma's TANF program, known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, is an important support system for families within the state facing difficult financial situations. Designed with the wellbeing of low-income families in mind, especially those with children, the program aims to provide not just financial help, but also opportunities for adults to gain employment through job training and educational programs.

Oklahoma's TANF is all about giving families the tools they need to stand on their own, with a focus on moving from dependency on aid to self-reliance. This approach shows Oklahoma's commitment to helping its residents improve their lives, ensuring families can find their way to a more secure and prosperous future.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for TANF assistance in Oklahoma, there are several important criteria you and your family must meet, including:

Citizenship and Residency:

You need to be a U.S. citizen or a legal alien to apply. Also, you must be living in Oklahoma.

Family and Age Requirements:

Your family must include at least one minor child (under 19) who lives with you. If a child is 18, they can still be part of your TANF plan if they're a full-time student in high school or in a similar program and expected to finish before turning 19.

Income and Resources:

Your family's income and what you own will be checked to make sure they're within the limits Oklahoma sets for TANF. This includes making sure you don't have access to other resources that could meet your needs, like help from other government agencies or community organizations.

If anyone in your house receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), they won't be counted as part of your TANF family. Also, people living in institutions or who have enough money or insurance to handle their emergencies on their own don't qualify.

Social Security Numbers:

Every family member included in your TANF plan must have a Social Security number.

Cooperation with State Programs:

You must agree to work with Child Support Services to get support from the other parent if needed.

You also need to agree to follow a TANF Work Plan tailored to help you find or keep a job, improving your abilities to be self-sufficient.

Emergency Assistance Considerations:

For Emergency Assistance under TANF, your household must show that you don't have enough money or other resources to deal with an urgent need, like a sudden loss that your insurance doesn't cover.

Meeting these requirements is important for accessing Oklahoma's TANF program support, designed to help families achieve stability and move towards independence.

One-Time Payments

In Oklahoma, families with minor children facing an immediate crisis can apply for a one-time Diversion Assistance (DA) payment instead of ongoing TANF benefits. This one-time aid is designed for situations where an emergency is preventing a parent or caregiver from starting a valid job or risking their current job. However, DA is only available based on funding, and there are specific rules:

Use of Funds: DA cannot be used to pay off fines related to criminal activities, like traffic fines or legal fees, nor can it be used to pay back expenses already covered by the family or others.

Future Self-Sufficiency: Before receiving DA, it must be clear that this one-time aid will help the family stay self-sufficient for the next 12 months. Once DA is granted, the family can't receive TANF benefits for a 12-month period. However, receiving DA doesn't count towards the 60-month TANF limit.

Lifetime Limit: Each family member can only receive DA once after February 1, 2022. If an adult has hit the 60-month TANF limit, the family isn't eligible for DA.

Child Eligibility: A child can only benefit from DA once, regardless of any change in their caregiver.

Application Process: Families need to apply, be interviewed, and agree not to apply for TANF for at least a year from the DA application date. The application must be processed within seven business days.

Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be employed or have a job offer, have a financial need that threatens their employment, and meet certain income and resource limits. They also need to provide Social Security numbers and meet citizenship requirements.

Payment Amount: The maximum DA payment is equal to four months of the TANF payment standard for the family's size and need, which can be issued in more than one installment if requested within 120 days of the initial application.

A Diversion Assistance payment is an alternative to TANF, offering timely support to families in crisis and helping them overcome immediate financial hurdles without entering long-term assistance programs.

Using the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card

In Oklahoma, TANF benefits are given to families through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. This card works a lot like a regular debit card. Every month, your TANF money is deposited onto this card. You can then use the EBT card to buy what your family needs, like food and clothes, at stores that accept the card as payment. You can also get cash from ATMs..

This way of distributing TANF benefits makes it easy and safe for families to get and use their assistance, allowing them to manage their monthly expenses more effectively.

TANF Application Instructions

If you're considering applying for TANF in Oklahoma, there are a couple of ways to get started:

Online Application:

The easiest and fastest way to apply is online at OKDHSLIVE.org. This website guides you through the application process step by step, allowing you to submit all the necessary information from the comfort of your home.

Paper Application:

If you prefer or need to submit a paper application, you can fill out Form 08MP001E, known as the Request for Benefits, and turn it in at your local OKDHS Human Service Center. If you can't get the form online, don't worry—they're also available at your local office.

What Happens Next:

After you submit your application, whether online or in person, it will be reviewed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. You might be asked to provide more information or to come in for an interview to discuss your application in more detail. This is a normal part of the process, and helps ensure that all necessary details are covered.

Applying for TANF in Oklahoma is designed to be as accessible as possible, ensuring that families in need can quickly and easily request the support they need. Whether you choose the convenience of online application or the traditional paper form, Oklahoma aims to provide clear guidance and support every step of the way.

Oklahoma's TANF program offers financial support to families in need, focusing on helping low-income households with children move toward financial independence. By providing both immediate aid and opportunities for job training and employment, the program works to empower families to stand on their own. This reflects Oklahoma's dedication to building stronger communities by giving families the tools they need to overcome economic hardships and secure a more stable future.