Oklahoma residents who struggle with paying their bills may require assistance to ensure their basic needs are being met. There are numerous programs in the state that can help people, despite the reasons for being financially challenged. The programs especially provide assistance to families who have children they are caring for. Obtaining money assistance for paying bills in Oklahoma is possible with the programs listed below.
The programs that will help with money assistance are funded through state and federal funding. They are generally open to anyone who has a low income and is a legal resident of the state. There are also some programs that will provide funding for those who are refugees. You can get funds from multiple programs, which will help ensure your basic needs are being met.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
Below you will find programs that can help with providing money assistance for paying bills. The programs offer short and long term assistance plans, depending on the factors and program you are applying for. With the funds being considered a gift, rather than a loan, you will not have to ever pay it back.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Housing is one of the most important things that people need, and it is often the most expensive bill that they pay for each month. Those who need money assistance paying for their rent may be able to get it through HUD. This is a federal agency that offers programs to help people with their housing needs. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. They also have public housing, which are units they own that they let people live in. Additionally, they will help with paying for some housing repairs, and they provide weatherization services to help reduce monthly energy bills. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This is a program that is funded by the federal government and focuses on making sure that the basic needs of children are being met. The program will provide families who have a low income with a monthly allotment of money assistance that can be used for paying bills and living expenses. The program provides temporary money assistance, so the amount of time that you can receive it is limited. You may also have to participate in work programs so that you can become self sufficient. To qualify, you also need to be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program, which used to be formerly known as food stamps and is still often referred to as that, will help people by providing money assistance to pay for groceries. Those who are approved for the program will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Each month, the government will load the card electronically with funds that you can use to pay for your groceries at the store and farmer’s markets. To qualify for the program, you have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen, adhere to the program’s work program requirements, meet income standards, and provide a Social Security number for everyone in the home. There is no limit to how long you can get money assistance from this program as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. To get more information and apply for SNAP, click here.
Medicaid – Paying medical bills is something that many people struggle with. Medical bills are usually costly and often they are unexpected, so they are not budgeted for. The good news is that those who have a low income may qualify for the federally-funded Medicaid program. This program will help pay for all types of medical bills, including going to the hospital, specialist, doctor, dentist, and obtaining prescription drugs. Plus, there is no limit to how long you can get assistance from this program. As long as you continue meet the eligibility guidelines you can keep getting the help. They do require that you are a citizen or legal non-citizen to be approved for Medicaid. To get more information and apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Those who need money assistance to pay for energy bills in Oklahoma may want to apply for LIHEAP. This program will help people pay for their heating and cooling bills, as well as provide emergency energy assistance. If you can’t pay your bill or are facing a shutoff notice you may be able the program to pay the bill directly to the energy provider on your behalf. You have to have a low income and be the person responsible for the bill. Open enrollment for winter begins in December, for summer it begins in June. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – The United Way has created this phone number as a resource for anyone who needs assistance and is struggling financially. If you call the number and tell them what type of bill payment assistance you need and where you live, they should be able to provide you with referrals to where you can get help. It is a free service that they offer and it is open to everyone. To get more information about the program, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization has numerous locations around Oklahoma, you can find them in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Shawnee, Mustang, and many other cities. They provide helpful programs for those in need in the communities where they are located. Salvation Army will provide people with hot meals, bags of food, clothing, shelter, and more. There are locations that will provide money assistance for paying bills. Contact the locations near you to see if they can help with paying bills. If they cannot, they may be able to provide you with a referral to a local place that can. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
