Skip to content

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Single Mother Resource Hub

Oklahoma

Single Mother Survival Guide & Resource Hub

Emergency Contacts

All Resources 2-1-1
Domestic Violence 1-800-522-7233
Child Protection 1-800-522-3511
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
Emergency Food Call 2-1-1 for immediate food resources
Salvation Army Call 2-1-1 to find your local Salvation Army

The Reality Check

Here’s how Oklahoma stacks up. We’ve color-coded the rankings: Green is good (Top 15), Yellow is average, and Red is a major challenge (Bottom 15).

#43 Overall Rank
#37 Single Mother Rank
#46 Healthcare
#40 Education
#40 Economy
#7 Affordability
#44 Safety
#46 Quality of Life
#36 Opportunity
#39 Mental Health

The Brutal Numbers

These are the core financial and legal realities that define the struggle in Oklahoma.

Single Mother Poverty Rate 39.2%
Food Insecurity Rate 15.4%
Gender Pay Gap 77¢ per $1
Child Support Collection Rate 64.3%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr
Housing Wage Needed $18.9/hr
Eviction Laws Grade D
Annual Childcare Cost $8580

2025 Income Limits & Benefit Amounts

Family Size FPL (Annual) Max SNAP (Monthly) Max TANF (Monthly)
1 Person $15650 $291 $292
2 People $21150 $535 $292
3 People $26650 $766 $292
4 People $32150 $973 $347
5 People $37650 $1155 $390

Eligibility & How to Qualify

SNAP Eligibility

Typically up to 130% of FPL (household size matters).

Medicaid Eligibility

Typically up to 138% of FPL for parents/caretakers.

Child Care Assistance

Typically up to 85% of State Median Income.

These are high-level thresholds; verify with the state portals above. Rules vary by household size and situation.

Can You Actually Survive? (Family of 3)

This is the bottom-line math. We compare maximum benefits to MIT’s calculated living wage for a single adult with 2 children.

$1058 Max Monthly Benefits (SNAP + TANF)
$4542 MIT Living Wage Required
-$3484 Monthly Shortfall
Even with maximum benefits, you are projected to be $3484 short each month for basic necessities.

SURVIVAL MODE: Your Oklahoma Strategy

Given the reality, a strategic approach is essential. Here’s a three-stage plan using Oklahoma’s specific resources.

Immediate Survival

  • Get SNAP & SoonerCare immediately
  • Apply for TANF cash assistance
  • Get on ALL housing waitlists – expect long waits
  • Find local food banks via 2/1/2001

Bridge Strategies

  • Combine part-time work with childcare subsidies
  • Use WIC benefits for nutritional support
  • Access job training in Energy sector
  • Apply for utility assistance programs

Exit Strategy

  • Focus training on high-growth Energy jobs
  • Secure child support enforcement
  • Build credit and savings systematically
  • Plan education advancement strategically

Key State Facts

  • State EITC is 5% of federal credit but non-refundable
  • Child Care Subsidy program has income limits and co-pays
  • Universal free Pre-K for 4-year-olds is a huge benefit
  • One of the highest female incarceration rates
  • Low wages and high poverty are persistent problems

Your Complete Oklahoma Resource Hub

The Bottom Line

Oklahoma is tough, but you’re tougher. Focus on immediate survival, stack every benefit, and use the state’s resources to build skills and savings for your next chapter.

Page generated and data updated: September 2025

Data Sources: U.S. News, WalletHub, HHS, USDA, NLIHC, and State Agencies

Disclaimer: This website is an informational resource. While we strive for accuracy, benefit amounts and eligibility rules can change. Always verify information with the official state agency. This site is not affiliated with any government entity.