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Felons who live in Oklahoma will find that there are grants available that they can apply for if they experience financial difficulty. The grant programs are designed to help people meet their basic needs while they try to improve their situation. Most are federally funded and are available for the short term, although there are some that provide help for a longer period of time.
Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be paid back at any time. If you are given grants you can consider them to be gifts to help you get on your feet. This makes the process of becoming self sufficient easier and less stressful. Every grant program has different qualification requirements, so be sure to check out what each one closely. There is no limit to the number of grant programs you can apply to or receive funds from, so be sure to apply to as many as you are qualified for.
Grants for Felons in Oklahoma
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Felons who have difficulty paying for rent or finding affordable housing may be able to get help through HUD. The programs through HUD are federally funded and aim to help everyone find affordable housing. They will also help you avoid foreclosure, provide weatherization services, and purchase a home. HUD also owns housing complexes, called Section 8, which they will rent out to people for a small monthly fee. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To get more information or apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides people in need with a monthly grant that is used to purchase food. If you are approved, you will receive an electronic debit card where the funds will be added each month. The card can then be used at the farmers market or grocery store to purchase food. The amount of monthly grant you receive is determined by the number of people in your household. To qualify for SNAP in Oklahoma, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. You will also have to supply your social security number. It takes 30 days to get the food benefits once your application is submitted. To apply, click here.
Medicaid – This federally funded program makes it possible for those with a low income to be able to receive medical care free of charge. If approved, Medicaid will pay for your bills from doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, drug addiction treatment, vision care, and dental care. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state and country. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This federally funded program will help felons pay for their utility bills. The program gives grants each year to over 182,000 people in the state. Eligibility includes having a low income and being the person responsible for paying the heating bill. They only pay one bill per year for each person who qualifies, so you will have to re-apply every year that you need the help. To apply for a utility grant in Oklahoma, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides those who need help with a monthly cash grant. The grants can be used on a wide variety of living expenses, including rent, bills, food, transportation, and more. To qualify, you have to have at least one minor child you are caring for, and be a legal citizen. The amount of your monthly cash grant is determined by the number of people in your household. To apply, click here.
Lifeline – Felons who need a mobile phone, but may not be able to afford one, can apply for the Lifeline program. This federally funded program will provide those with a low income with a free mobile phone. The phone comes with voice, text, and data. A phone can be important to helping people get on their feet, and this makes it easier to have one. To qualify for the free phone you have to have a low income. Those who already receive SNAP or TANF may automatically be approved for the phone. To learn more or apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization helps people around the state with meeting their basic needs. They will often provide hot meals, boxes of food, clothing, and more. To learn more about the programs they offer in your area, click here.
In addition to the above grants for felons in Oklahoma, be sure to check with local churches and non-profit organizations. You will find that many of them offer programs aimed at helping people in the community. They will often help with food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and more. Plus, they usually do not have strict qualification requirements to receive the help.
