SNAP, TANF Programs To Return To Normal Protocols After COVID-19 Emergency Order Lifted

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program will be returning to normal, pre-COVID-19, protocols.

Officials announced this is due to the expiring of public health emergency orders.

This means the end of "emergency allotments to households receiving benefits from SNAP along with emergency protocols instated for the TANF program," officials said in a news release.

Officials said the "SNAP emergency allotments, taking families to the maximum monthly benefit based on household size, will continue through June 2021, while the 15 percent increase in SNAP benefits through the American Rescue Plan, about $26 per month per person, will continue through Sept. 2021."

And the TANF program will start returning to face-to-face interviews and "other pre-COVID protocols at the expiration of public health emergency."

“We are thankful for the support of our federal partners, as well as the efforts of our Governor, legislature and state and community partners to support Oklahomans through the COVID-19 crisis,” said Secretary of Human Services and OKDHS Director Justin Brown. “As our lives begin to return to normal and the economy rebuilds, OKDHS is committed to continuing our work to build HOPE and provide help for those who need us most. Our brightest days are ahead.”

Gov. Stitt said COVID-19 is currently not a state of emergency for Oklahoma.

“COVID-19 is no longer a state of emergency in Oklahoma,” said Gov. Stitt. “I am grateful for Secretary Brown’s tireless work to assist Oklahoma families, and share his commitment to a smooth transition back to pre-COVID protocols. Thanks to the decision to reopen our economy last June, businesses are thriving and employers across the state are ready to expand, so I encourage Oklahomans to not live in fear, to return to work, and to return to normal.”