Grants for felons in Oklahoma provide a financial boost to help you get back on your feet after incarceration. These grants can range from funding for education and vocational training to financial assistance to start a small business.
There’s also financial assistance for released prisoners in Oklahoma to help you pay for basics like food, rent, and utility bills.
SNAP Grants For Felons in Oklahoma 2025
Are felons eligible for SNAP in Oklahoma? If you’re under the income threshold and meet the other eligibility requirements, you’ll qualify for SNAP (food stamps).
SNAP provides free money Oklahoma residents can use to buy food at grocery stores and farmers’ markets. How much you’ll get depends on your income and household size.
For More Information, visit: https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/snap.html
Temporary Assistance For Needy Family Grants (TANF)
TANF provides cash grants to unemployed families with minor children. Payments are made for a limited period and the amount you qualify for depends on your income and household size.
For More Information, visit: https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/tanf/tanfhome.html
Oklahoma Hardship Grants
Oklahoma hardship grants are managed by the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program. The ESG program issues grants to Oklahoma nonprofits and community service providers who help residents needing help with emergency housing, paying rent, or affording utilities.
You can access support funded by Oklahoma hardship grants by contacting your nearest Continuum of Care provider.
For More Information, visit: https://www.okcommerce.gov/community-development/community-action-agencies/emergency-solutions-grants-esg/
Oklahoma Housing Grants
Felons can apply for public housing programs. Background checks are part of the approval process for housing assistance, but criminal convictions are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Because of high demand and limited funding, Oklahoma has a waiting list for its rent assistance programs.
For More Information, visit: https://www.ohfa.org/rental/
Bethel Grants For Single Moms
Single moms (including felons) facing financial hardship can get groceries, clothing, household goods, and baby supplies on an ongoing basis from the Bethel Foundation.
Fill out the application on the website to join the assistance program.
For More Information, visit: https://www.bethelfoundation.org/
Oklahoma Energy Assistance Grants
Energy assistance grants are issued based on financial need so your felony won’t be a consideration. Help is available for heating and cooling costs if you meet the program’s income limits for your household size.
Two programs help low-income households, including felons, pay for utilities.
- The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) issues payments twice yearly.
- The Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECAP) distributes emergency funding throughout the year.
For More Information, visit: https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/liheap/utilityservicesliheapmain.html
Other Financial Assistance For Released Prisoners In Oklahoma
Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army both help former prisoners by supplying hot meals, groceries, clothing, personal care items, transportation vouchers, and more.
Their programs are designed to care for anyone needing help and play a big role in helping released prisoners meet basic needs.
You can also get help from local churches and community-based nonprofits.
Call the free 2-1-1 helpline for more details.
Employment Grants For Felons
Because finding stable, well-paid employment can be a real challenge, the government provides some financial assistance for released prisoners in Oklahoma.
Thanks to these programs, many felons have been able to get good jobs and become self-sufficient.
Free Federal Bonding Program
A federal employment bond insures employers against losses they may incur after hiring an employee with a criminal record.
Because these bonds reduce the risk of loss, employers who require fidelity bonding are often more willing to offer second-chance employment to felons.
For More Information, visit: https://oklahoma.gov/oesc/employers/support-services/federal-bonding.html
Work Opportunity Tax Credit Grants
While this grant isn’t paid directly to you, the WOTC can help you get a job. Through this program, felons can give potential employers a letter of introduction explaining how the employer can benefit from a tax credit worth up to $12,500 if they hire them.
This financial benefit is a powerful incentive for employers. Get your letter of introduction from your local Oklahoma Works office.
For More Information, visit: https://oklahoma.gov/oesc/employers/support-services/wotc.html
Oklahoma WIOA Programs & Grants
Through your local WIOA program, you’ll get help with job readiness skills, vocational training, and placement with second-chance employers open to hiring felons.
Visit your Oklahoma Works office to explore your options.
For More Information, visit: https://oklahoma.gov/workforce.html
TEEM Reentry Program
The TEEM Empower program is for Oklahoma prisoners about to be released. Empower offers courses in financial literacy, computer skills, healthy relationships, addiction education, and job readiness, including resume building and mock interviews.
Participants can also train for specialized certification programs in second-chance-friendly fields like culinary arts and construction trades, giving them the tools and training needed to successfully reintegrate into society.
For More Information, visit: https://www.teem.org/reentry-services
Small Business Grants in Oklahoma For Felons
Are there grants for felons to start a small business? Yes. The good news is felons can apply for small business grants just like everyone else.
NASE Growth Grant
You could win a $4,000 grant if you join the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE). New rounds of grant applications open each quarter. Membership is open to felons and costs $11.95 per month (you’ll need to wait 90 days before you can apply for a grant).
For More Information, visit: https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants
Inmates To Entrepreneur Program
This program is designed for felons who want to launch a business or become self-employed. Through the free 12-week Starter U online course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to hit the ground running.
For More Information, visit: https://inmatestoentrepreneurs.org/programs/online-course/
Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide free or low-cost training and assistance to new businesses. Your local SBDC advisor will give you information about state, county, and city government grants you can apply for in your area and help you with the application process.
Find your SBDC: https://www.oksbdc.org/
Education Grants And Financial Assistance For Felons
Having a felony won’t usually affect your ability to get help with the cost of a degree program or vocational training certification, although certain drug or sex offenses could be disqualifying.
Federal Pell Grants: Grants of up to $7,395 per year are available to low-income students.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: Grants of up to $4,000 per year are available for students with exceptional financial need.
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