Oklahoma DHS is implementing new requirements for welfare programs under the Big Beautiful Bill Act, which expanded work mandates and reduced exemptions for recipients.

New Work Requirements

The law raised the age limit for eligibility from 54 to 64 but reduced the number of exemptions — circumstances under which individuals could still qualify for welfare programs.

According to Oklahoma DHS, the new work requirements now apply to families with dependent children ages 14 and older. Previously, all households with dependent children under 18 were exempt.

A doctor’s note is required to qualify for the exemption for individuals who are physically or mentally unfit.

Hunger Free Oklahoma noted that the bill also eliminated exemptions for people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and youth aging out of foster care, who were previously exempt under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.

Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.