There are 303,000 veterans living in the state of Oklahoma. The veterans living in Oklahoma, just as in other states, may find that they have financial difficulties at times. Some veterans may find themselves between jobs, while others may not be able to find a job that pays a high enough salary to keep pace with the rising cost of living. Struggling to pay the bills during these times can be stressful. The good news is that there are grants for veterans in Oklahoma, and they can make a world of difference in being able to make ends meet each month.
While loans must be paid back, grants do not. They are essentially a gift to help those in need. There are federally funded grants for veterans in Oklahoma that will help to pay bills, buy food, pay rent, and more. The grants generally provide a short term solution, while those on hard financial times strive for self sufficiency.
Types of Grants for Veterans in Oklahoma
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Veterans in need of assistance obtaining food in Oklahoma may qualify for SNAP. The program provides those who qualify with a monthly food grant that can be used to purchase food at the grocery store or farmer’s market. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements, be a citizen or legal alien, adhere to the work requirements if you are between the ages of 18-50, and provide a social security number for all members in your household who will be participating in the grant. You can apply in person or online. To apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – There are cash grants for veterans in Oklahoma. Those who need cash assistance may qualify for a grant through the TANF program. The program will provide those who qualify with cash assistance that can be used on living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, bills, and more. To qualify for the assistance, you need to have at least one minor dependent child living in the home. Additionally, you have to meet the low income requirements, be a citizen or legal alien, cooperate with Child Support Services, and agree to a personalized TANF Work Plan. You can apply at your local social services office. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Veterans in Oklahoma who need assistance paying their energy bills may qualify for a grant through LIHEAP. The federally funded program provides one-time bill paying grants for those who qualify. The cooling season runs from June through August, while the heating season runs from November through January. They also offer emergency funding assistance for those who have received a disconnection notice. To qualify for a LIHEAP grant in Oklahoma, you have to meet the low income requirements, be the person responsible for the energy bill, and have no more than $2,000 in cash assets for a single person (or $3,000 for two people). You can apply online. To apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – There is housing assistance for veterans who need help paying their rent or locating affordable options. The programs offered through HUD will help those who qualify to pay rent, avoid foreclosure, obtain necessary home repairs, and locate affordable housing units in their area. They can also tell you if there are Section 8 or public housing options near you. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements. To apply, you first need to speak with a HUD counselor in Oklahoma, who will assess your current financial situation and housing needs. To apply, click here.
Lifeline Assistance – Having a phone is largely considered to be essential, if only for emergency purposes. Yet many veterans may feel they can’t afford the monthly bill. Those who have a low income may qualify for the Lifeline Assistance program. Those who qualify for the program only have to pay $9.25 per month for their phone, whether it is a land line or cellular one. The government pays the balance of the bill each month with a grant. To apply, click here.
The grants for veterans in Oklahoma provide a safety net, helping people to pay their bills and get by each month, while they are going through difficult financial times. There is no limit to how many programs you can apply for or receive funds from, so be sure to contact all those you feel could be helpful.