Website and Privacy Policy

Thank you for visiting okdhs.org and reviewing our Privacy Policy.

Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of all users who interact with our website and digital services. This Privacy Policy explains how OKDHS collects, uses, stores, and shares information—especially personally identifiable information (PII)—in accordance with applicable Oklahoma laws, including 74 O.S. § 3106.4, the Oklahoma Information Security Policies (OAC 260:15), and applicable Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) cybersecurity standards.

Overview

OKDHS provides both public information and secure, account-based services through our website at okdhs.org. These digital services allow eligible Oklahomans to create secure online accounts, verify their identity, and apply for or manage OKDHS services. By using this website and applications, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

Personal Information We Collect

When You Use Public Browsing Features:

When you browse the OKDHS website without logging into a secure account or submitting a form, we do not collect PII. However, our website does automatically collect limited technical information to improve site functionality, such as:

· Your IP address and Internet domain (e.g., .com, .edu, .gov)
· Browser type and version
· Operating system type
· Pages visited and the date/time of your visit
· Your inputs on webpages, interfaces, applications and forms
· Referring website address (if you followed a link to our site)

This data is anonymized and used solely for statistical and performance monitoring.

When You Create an Account or Apply for Services:

When you use secure, account-based services or apply for benefits, OKDHS may collect the following types of personally identifiable information (PII) to verify your identity and determine eligibility:

· Full legal name
· Date and place of birth
· Address and contact information
· Social Security number
· Government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
· Alien registration number (if applicable)
· Biometric information (if required by a program)
· Household and family composition
· Financial, medical, educational, or employment data

The amount and type of data collected will vary depending on the service being accessed.

Use of Identity Verification Services

To protect your information and comply with state eligibility requirements, OKDHS may use a third-party identity-proofing service—such as VerifyOK—to confirm your identity during account registration. These vendors receive limited PII solely for verification purposes and are contractually required to maintain data security and comply with Oklahoma privacy laws. Your data is not used by these vendors for any other purpose.

How We Use Your Information

OKDHS uses your personal data to:

Verify identity and eligibility
Process applications for benefits
Deliver and manage services
Communicate with you about your account or case
Maintain compliance with legal, administrative, and regulatory requirements

We collect only the minimum data necessary to fulfill these functions.

Sharing of Information

Your PII is confidential and will not be sold, shared, or disclosed to private entities or commercial marketers. However, it may be shared with:

Other government agencies or contractors as authorized by law
Entities providing services on behalf of OKDHS
Regulatory, oversight, or law enforcement bodies when legally required

Access to your personal data is limited to authorized OKDHS personnel and contractors who need the information to perform their official duties. Any sharing is done in strict accordance with Oklahoma statutes and data governance policies.

Data Protection and Security

OKDHS implements administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your data, in compliance with the Oklahoma Information Security Policy (OAC 260:15) and OMES IT security standards. In the event of a data breach involving your PII, OKDHS will follow all required breach notification procedures as mandated by law and OMES security policies.

Use of Biometric Data

If biometric information is collected for identity verification, it will be retained only as long as necessary for verification and is protected in accordance with OMES biometric data handling standards.

Your Rights and Consent

When you create an account or submit personal data to OKDHS, you:

Consent to the collection and use of your data as described in this policy
Have the right to request access to, or correction of, your PII
Understand that failure to provide required information may limit your eligibility for certain services

To update or correct your information, log in to your online account or contact the appropriate OKDHS program office.

Communication Guidelines

Please do not include sensitive personal information (e.g., Social Security numbers, financial data) in email communications, as email is not always secure. Instead, use the secure online portal for submitting documents and account-related inquiries.

Use of Cookies and Analytics

The OKDHS website uses cookies and modern analytics tools (e.g., Adobe Analytics) to improve performance and usability. These tools track aggregated data such as page visits, click paths, and browser types. We do not use tracking technology to build personal profiles or monitor individual behavior outside our systems.

You may disable cookies in your browser settings; however, some features of the site may not function properly.

Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or technology practices. The "Effective Date" at the top of the policy indicates the most recent revision. We encourage you to check this page periodically for updates.

Questions

If you have questions about this policy, please contact OKDHS Web Services.