Oklahoma TANF (Cash Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
Oklahoma TANF gives monthly cash to low-income families with children, and it also brings SoonerCare medical coverage. The payment is modest: it is set at 45 percent of the state's need standard, which works out to $180 a month for one person, $225 for two, $292 for three, $361 for four. Apply online at OKDHSLive.org, by submitting Form 08MP001E at a local office, or by phone at (405) 522-5050.
The income gates are tight. Your monthly gross income must be under the need-based maximum, $736 for one person, $1,193 for three, $1,476 for four. Countable assets must be $2,250 or less per case, excluding your home and $5,000 of equity in one vehicle.
Relatives raising children have a separate, higher schedule. Child-only cases, where no adult is in the payment, pay $104 for one child, $205 for two, $289 for three. So a grandparent raising grandchildren should apply, and often gets more than the adult-included rate.
The program comes with obligations. You must have a minor child at home, provide Social Security numbers, cooperate with child support, and agree to a personalized TANF Work Plan with job-readiness activities. The federal 60-month lifetime limit applies.
Ask about a lump sum before starting the monthly clock. TANF Diversion Assistance offers a one-time payment, $292 for a family of three, for families up to 200 percent of poverty who need short-term help instead of ongoing cash. There is also Emergency Assistance at half the TANF standard.
Because the cash is small, stack the rest. TANF recipients get SoonerCare automatically, SNAP reaches far more households, and 2-1-1 finds local emergency funds.
Phone 405-522-5050
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Families responsible for a minor child who are Oklahoma residents and meet the income standards; every household member needs a Social Security number
- Adults agree to a TANF Work Plan and to cooperate with Child Support Services, and federal and state time limits cap how long you can get cash
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply at OKDHSLive.org, by Form 08MP001E at a local office, or by phone at (405) 522-5050.
- 2
Ask about TANF Diversion Assistance if your need is one-time (up to 200 percent of poverty).
- 3
Provide proof of income (gross under $1,193 for three), assets under $2,250, and your children's information.
- 4
Agree to your TANF Work Plan and cooperate with child support.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the family
- Proof of income and assets
- Proof that a child lives with you. Your county office confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much does Oklahoma TANF pay?
Set at 45 percent of the need standard: $180 a month for one person, $225 for two, $292 for three, $361 for four.
Can a grandparent get more for a child-only case?
Yes. Child-only cases use a higher schedule: $104 for one child, $205 for two, $289 for three.
What is TANF Diversion Assistance?
A one-time payment ($292 for a family of three) for families up to 200 percent of poverty who need short-term help instead of ongoing cash.
Do I get health coverage with TANF?
Yes. TANF cash recipients also receive SoonerCare (Medicaid) medical benefits.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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