Assistance for Single Moms in Oklahoma

Single moms can receive help and assistance in all cities and counties across the state of Oklahoma. Assistance programs aid with free food, housing costs, rent, energy bills, mortgages, free health care, and more.

Oklahoma Summer Food Service
Children who would normally receive free or reduced price meals when school is in session are given nutritious meals by the Oklahoma Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). SFPS helps single moms and families to stretch their food dollars during the summer months by helping their children maintain a nutritious diet. Playgrounds, parks, day camps, housing authorities, churches, community centers, are some of the various locations where the program is offered. The program is usually combined with recreational and learning activities for the children. Call the Oklahoma Nutrition Office at 405-521-3327 for more information on the program.

Special Milk Program
Children in schools and childcare institutions who do not participate in other Federal meal service programs are provided with milk with the help of the Special Milk Program (SMP). Schools are reimbursed by the program for the milk they serve. In order to provide milk to children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten program where children do not have access to the school meal programs, schools in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs may also participate in SMP. For more information regarding the Oklahoma Special Milk Program, please call the Department of Education, Child Nutrition office at 405-521-3327.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Low-income pregnant, breastfeeding postpartum women and single moms, infants and children up to the age of 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk can receive supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, from the Oklahoma Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be a nutritional risk in order to be fully eligible for the program. The Oklahoma State Department of Health administers the WIC program of Oklahoma. For more questions about the WIC program, call 888-655-2942.

Oklahoma Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Cash assistance is made available to single moms on a time-limited basis, for children deprived of support because of a parent’s death, incapacity, absence or unemployment. Training leading to employment, temporary support in meeting basic needs, employment services, and day care assistance for qualified families with children are some of the things the Oklahoma Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will provide to those in need. The adult recipients are required to work or participate in activities geared toward work and achieving self-sufficiency as long as they receive cash assistance. For more information please call 866-411-1877.

Head Start
Head Start is a Federal program that aims to enhance the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from birth to age five from low income families making sure they are school ready. Language, literacy, and social and emotional development are some area where the program can support a child’s growth. The role of parents is emphasized by the program as their child’s first and most important teacher. To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call 866-763-6481.

Rental Vouchers
Very low income single moms as well as income qualified disabled residents and the elderly can receive help. Section 8 and other Housing and Urban Development resources can help pay for a portion of an applicant’s rent. 800-955-2232 for more information on how to apply for this benefit.

Credit Services
Single moms can get help to pay and reduce debts, be offered housing counseling, and be administered general budgeting and financial advice from a number of non-profit organizations across the state of Oklahoma. To contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling call 800-388-2227.

Financial Assistance
A leading non-profit organization, the Salvation Army, can help single moms by providing them with referrals, advice, case management and funds for paying expenses such as food, rent, and electric bills. They represent a good option for Oklahoma families regardless of the fact that most of the financial assistance offered is limited.

Oklahoma Medicaid
Low-income single moms who have no or inadequate health insurance coverage can receive medical benefits from Medicaid, a Federal and State entitlement program. Based upon income and/or resources, Oklahoma residents can get guaranteed coverage for basic health and long-term care services from Oklahoma Medicaid. 800-987-7767 for further questions related to the program.

Oklahoma Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
Health care coverage is provided to uninsured infants, children and teenagers in Oklahoma with the help of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, also known as SCHIP. Every state in the nation, including Oklahoma, has this program. If your family income meets a certain Federal guideline based on a higher income bracket than the traditional Medicaid program, then your child will be eligible for SCHIP. For more information about eligibility and benefits, please call 800-987-7737.

Legal Assistance
Low to moderate income single mothers, the elderly and the disabled can receive free legal assistance from the numerous non-profit law firms that operate across the state of Oklahoma. To contact the Legal Aid service of Oklahoma, Inc. call 405-557-0020.

Unemployment Insurance
If eligibility requirements are met, financial assistance is provided through Unemployment Insurance benefits to workers unemployed through no fault of their own. You must have worked in Missouri during the past 12 to 18 months and have earned at least a minimum amount of wages, in order to qualify for this benefit program. In order to establish your unemployment insurance claim please call 405-525-1500.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Seasonal assistance to low-income households to assist with winter heating bills, and provide help for some families who have received utility cut offs is offered by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, in cooperation with the Federal Government. 866-411-1877 or 405-521-3444 for more information about the program.