Grants for Seniors in Oklahoma
Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Rachel
Senior Population: 913,608 (22.7%)
Male: 46.2%
Female: 53.8%
Median Age: 70
Disability: 37%
With Social Security Income: 75%
With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 10%
Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 12%
Data Source:Help for Seniors in Oklahoma – 30 Assistance Programs
Oklahoma has been one of the most liked states by people considering a relaxed, calm environment and low-cost living conditions. According to a study that was published by CNBC, Oklahoma is an ideal place to live particularly for seniors. Apart from the affordable rent prices, utility bills, and groceries, wages are high throughout the state. Hence, the elderly can work part-time jobs if they wish. For those who have been facing financial hardship, the federal agencies, the State of Oklahoma, and local charity organizations offer plenty of programs and benefits for elder citizens.
State Assistance Programs and Services
The Area Agencies and Their Services to the Elderly: There are 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Oklahoma offering services under the Older Americans Act (OAA) to support and promote the well-being of seniors. The AAAs services include:
- Offer legal, transportation, caregiving, in-home, and meal support and information to enable seniors to live independent and quality lives.
- Offer one-on-one support and advisory services to help older adults make life decisions.
- Promote the health and well-being of seniors through programs, services, and funding.
- Educate the elderly on nutrition and diet.
- Support grandparents who are guardians of their grandchildren through resources and information.
To fulfill these goals, AAAs also work with different partners and organizations. Through such collaborations, the AAAs also provide dentures, utility assistance, home repair and modification, eyeglasses, and immunization services to the elderly in need.
The Oklahoma Senior Corps (SC) Program: Oklahoma Aging Services Division (ASD) monitors this program. The Volunteer Recruitment and Placement Program (RSVP), Foster Grandparent Program, and Senior Companion Program are all part of the SC. The SC volunteers must meet the age requirement (55+). The volunteers work with private nonprofits and public agencies.
- RSVP: The purpose of this opportunity is to connect older adults aged 55+ with local community resources.
- Foster Grandparent Program: through this program, the local agencies and organizations receive funds to engage senior volunteers aged 60 and above in supporting children with special needs who are undergoing the public school system.
- Senior Companion Program: In this program, older adults aged 60+ offer companionship to those confined in their homes due to mobility problems. They come as friends who give others company and share their life experiences.
Find more about the Senior Corps program at https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/cap.html.
Legal Services to the Elderly Under the Older Americans Act: The Legal Services Developer of Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP) is in charge of ensuring quality legal services are provided to older adults 60+. The organization provides technical support, consultation services, information, training, and referrals on legal-related issues. These services are also provided to organizations that assist and advocate for the rights of older Oklahomans. The legal services to the elderly are provided through grants to the state. The OAA authorizes the support grants, while the Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP) distribute and ensure the money is used for the purpose intended. The goal of this program is to promote independence among seniors and allow them to be in charge of their own lives. It also promotes financial security among senior Oklahomans.
The legal services include Advanced Directives, Social Security disability, consumer financial security, eviction, estate planning, Powers of Attorney, and wills, among others.
Services to Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: There are respite vouchers given to seniors raising their grandchildren. These vouchers are designed to relieve them from the everyday challenges they face. Raising a child can be exhausting, so through these services, older adults can take a break and spend some time with their spouses or other family members. Two programs administered by the Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP), under these services include:
- National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP): The Area Agencies on Aging operate this program. Designed for seniors aged 55+, NFCSP provides respite care, which can be from the senior’s home or the center, depending on the agreement between the respite care provider and the older guardian. Seniors are in charge of choosing their respite care providers, who can be a family member, a friend, a church member, or any closer person above 18 years. Income restrictions do not apply in identifying eligible seniors for program support. Reach out to your local AAA for more information or any questions you may have.
- Lifespan Respite Grant Program: Sooner SUCCESS operates this program, which is designed for a grandparent or senior guardian under 55 who is raising a kid. Same as NFCSP, respite care can be a friend, a church member, a family member, or any person of the caregiver’s choice. Seniors can receive respite care in their homes, someone else’s home, or in a care center, depending on the agreement between the grandparent/guardian and the respite care provider. Income restrictions do not apply here as well. Learn more at https://soonersuccess.ouhsc.edu/Services-Programs/Respite.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: The purpose of this program is to enhance the quality of care and life of seniors in long-term care facilities. The program represents the needs of older adults in assisted living, nursing homes, independent living facilities, and other adult care homes. Local volunteers support the mission of this program. Interested in becoming an Ombudsman volunteer? Well, contact an Ombudsman Supervisor in your area. The supervisors train, supervise, and give volunteers the support they need to carry out the program’s mission. The ombudsmen can receive complaints from seniors in long-term care facilities and resolve them. They have the right to deal with problems in those facilities by recommending an appropriate solution after carefully listening and doing the necessary follow-ups.
Financial Assistance
Oklahoma ADvantage Waiver Program is a comprehensive program that has been formed and run by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority for seniors and people with disabilities. Those who already receiving Medicaid are eligible for this program. Apart from providing financial assistance, it offers adult daycare, caregiver support, therapy services including speech, language, respiratory, physical, and occupational, meal support based on the applicant’s diet, hospital services, and required medical equipment. Seniors who are in need of financial support and need help with any of these issues may apply for this program. Find out more at https://oklahoma.gov/ohca/individuals/programs/ltcs/advantage-waiver-program.html or contact the SoonerCare Helpline at 800 987 7767.
Salvation Army Central Oklahoma is highly functional in this region as a non-governmental charity organization. It has Emergency Financial Assistance for people in need. Seniors who are having economic difficulties are eligible for cash support and the amount of the help differs based on the current economic situation of the applicant. Besides, Salvation Army Central Oklahoma presents food support, utility assistance, and mortgage assistance for eligible people. It has four senior centers which are Danforth Center, Reading Center, Shartel Center, and Sequoyah Center. All these centers organize various events for older citizens and help them to socialize. These senior centers also present hot, and cold meals for their visitors. Explore more opportunities through the following link https://salvationarmyokcac.org/oklahoma-county/ or call 405 246 1100.
Housing and Rent Assistance
Catholic Charities Oklahoma is one of efficient local charity organizations throughout the state. It has a special housing service for senior citizens who are 62 years of age or older. The housing service is Villa Isenbart Senior Housing for the low-income elderly. This benefit offers one-bedroom flats with various common areas among beneficiaries. Seniors who are about to lose their homes or who are already homeless are encouraged to apply for this assistance. For more information, please visit https://catholiccharitiesok.org/get-help/housing-services/sponsored-senior-housing or make a phone call at 405 523 3000 or call toll-free 900 375 8514.
Oklahoma Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers also formerly known as Section 8 was created and has been sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist low and moderate-income persons. Since older people are prioritized by this program, they are encouraged to apply for rental support. Qualified candidates will choose the apartment, flat, or house they want to live in and the program will pay approximately 70 percent of their rent. To learn more and apply, please go to https://www.okdrs.gov/guide/06_01 or dial to get your spot on the waiting list at 405 419 8100.
Oklahoma Mission of Hope is a local non-governmental organization that provides housing assistance for low and middle-income people across the state. Elder residents are one of the priority groups and those who need housing support may get in touch with this organization. Its mission is to fight against homelessness in Oklahoma. Although its main priority is to end homelessness, this establishment also helps with food, transportation, and case management when it is needed. Further information can be accessed by clicking on the following link http://www.stillwatermoh.org/ or make a phone call at 405 624 3674.
Home Repair Grants
In Oklahoma, Home Repair Grants For Seniors serve the purpose of not just tackling homelessness, but also ensuring that seniors can maintain their homes properly and live comfortably.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides the Single-Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Oklahoma (Section 504 Home Repair Program), offering grants to the elderly to deal with the health and safety hazards of their homes. To qualify for the grants:
- Seniors must provide proof of home ownership and occupancy
- Cannot access assistance anywhere else
- Meet the low-income limits
- Be aged 62+
The Big Five Community Services is a nonprofit organization providing home repair services to older adults as a Community Action Agency. Find more at http://www.bigfive.org/.
Oklahoma Weatherization Assistance offers help to seniors to upgrade their homes and make them more energy efficient. Older adults eligible for support may qualify for a new heating system, flooring, or free insulation. More information is available at https://okcommerce.gov/assistance/weatherization/.
Habitat for Humanity: While the organization reserves its resources for those in need of a home, they also offer home repair services to seniors, especially when the need is urgent. That is, if the health and safety of a senior and their loved ones are in danger because of poor housing conditions, the organization may provide emergency support to make the necessary upgrades. Visit https://www.habitat.org/ for more details.
Healthcare Assistance
Medicaid Program (SoonerCare): Medicaid is designed to help older adults in Oklahoma meet their healthcare needs by helping them pay their medical costs. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) administers the program, while the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) determines the senor’s financial eligibility. Who qualifies for Oklahoma Medicaid?
- Older adults aged 65+
- Blind or disabled seniors. Must meet the description of a disabled or a blind person as detailed by the Social Security Administration.
- Elderly persons in need of nursing services or are in nursing homes.
Older adults eligible for Medicaid can apply online at http://www.mysoonercare.org/ or visit the local DHS office to apply for the program benefits. Requirements at the time of application include proof of income, citizenship, and immigration status. Seniors will also need to provide their social security cards or numbers. Visit http://www.oklahoma.gov/ohca for more information.
Medicare Assistance Program: Medicare helps seniors pay their medical bills through various healthcare insurance coverages. The program operates in two divisions: Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). SMP Medicare helps seniors protect themselves from suffering healthcare fraud, while SHIP provides counseling services in matters related to Medicare. The organization provides seniors with the information they need, including healthcare insurance options, and helps them make a choice, depending on their circumstances and medical needs. Both SHIP and SMP are important to the mission of Medicare.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program (SHIP) Oklahoma is a non-governmental health information program for senior citizens who are having health issues. Older citizens who are struggling with some sort of disease or having a health problem and do not know what to do or expect may apply to this program. To consult, please click the link https://www.oid.ok.gov/consumers/information-for-seniors/senior-health-insurance-counseling-program-ship/ or call 1 800 763 2828.
The SMP Medicare/ Medicaid Fraud, Abuse and Waste Reduction Program in Oklahoma is designed for senior citizens who are being abused in society. The main aim of this program is to make sure that seniors can live in a secure and comfortable environment without being exposed to healthcare fraud. Especially citizens who are 65 years old and above are being scammed lose their savings. Hence, it is vital to report suspicious activities. Please make a call at 800 522 0071.
The significance of oral health is becoming more prominent with each passing day, and it is essential for seniors to maintain it regardless of their financial status. If you’re looking for dental assistance for seniors in Oklahoma, visit Dental Grants to gain more information.
Utility Bills Assistance
Average Monthly Payment Plan: This program protects older adults from paying unexpectedly high bills, which they may find challenging to pay. The program, under Oklahoma Corporation Commission Rule 165:35-19-31 and 165:45-11-4 (b6)], requires electric and gas utility providers to provide their customers with billing them on an average monthly payment basis, allowing them to pay the same amount every month. Find more at https://www.okdrs.gov/guide/average-monthly-payment-plan.
Enhanced Lifeline Service: Enhanced Lifeline Service is a program that supports seniors by reducing their monthly charges on internet connection and phone service. Older adults can only be eligible for either phone or internet support, not both. Older adults can find this service by visiting the nearest provider. Eligible older adults receive up to $9.25 toward their utility bills. Find out more at http://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/.
Financial Assistance Delay: This program postpones the disconnection of electricity or gas. It helps seniors waiting for funding support from TANF, SSI, or any local social service to stay connected even after failing to pay their bills on time. The program delays the disconnection of services for at least 20 days from the day the service provider offers notice. Read more about the program at https://www.ok.gov/odc/About_ODC/ODC_Publications/Housing_-_Utility_Assistance.html.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): LIHEAP is a federally funded energy support program designed to help seniors settle their heating costs. The program consists of:
- Regular Energy Assistance Program helps low-income older adults with cooling and heating bills.
- Energy Crisis Assistance Program offers services only when the weather is extreme, and the goal is to protect senior adults from the extreme cold or heat or winter and summer, respectively.
Requirements at the time of application include proof of income, citizenship, state residency, and immigration status. Social Security Cards or numbers are also required. Visit http://www.okdhs.org/ for more details about the program.
Oklahoma Gas & Electric is a The Hand-N Program that provides weatherization services for those who are in need. Senior landlords who are looking for weatherization support are qualified for this benefit. It offers energy-saving courses and settles the necessary equipment. To learn more, please visit https://www.oge.com/wps/ or make a connection with 405 272 9742.
Catholic Charities of Oklahoma is an efficient non-governmental organization that presents a great deal of programs for low and moderate-income families. It offers an emergency financial assistance program for people who are not able to afford their monthly bills. Eligible candidates will have cash assistance depending on their financial hardship. For further information and read about other services, please click the link https://www.catholiccharitiesok.org/ or dial 405 523 3000.
Many programs are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Food Assistance
Oklahoma Commodity Supplemental Food Program (OCSFP) is a food benefit that was constituted particularly for senior citizens by the State of Oklahoma. People who are 60 years of age or above and who are not able to cook at their homes or who are not able to buy healthy and nutritious food according to their diet may benefit from this assistance. Eligible people can get monthly food boxes that include milk, cereal, juice, noodles, canned meat, peanut butter, fish, canned vegetables, and fruits. To apply, follow the link https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/commodity-supplemental-food-program or make a call at 1 800 522 3511.
Oklahoma Emergency Food Assistance Program was founded and has been managed by the federal government for low-income families. People who need emergency food assistance can get in touch with this program and receive nutritious food. For more information, please take a look at https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/emergency-food-assistance-program or contact 1 800 221 5689.
Assistance From Charities and Nonprofits
Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the lives and neighborhoods of seniors, including improving their home safety and energy efficiency. The organization work with volunteers to enhance the homes of the older persons living Oklahoma City metro area. Read more at https://rebuildingtogetherokc.org/.
Areawide Aging Agency Inc: work to identify the needs of seniors and offer appropriate solutions through programs and services. This nonprofit operates in Oklahoma City. Visit https://www.areawideaging.org for more details.
Support Central Oklahoma United Methodist Retirement Facility Inc provides memory care and assisted living services to seniors in need. The organization support seniors to age with dignity and enhance their safety by offering assistance with daily tasks. More information is available at https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.central_oklahoma_united_methodist_retirement_facility_inc.c9d147e9fff059db170f6d70e0d902cd.html.
Oklahoma City Community Foundation is committed to meeting the needs of poor older adults through the Services for the Elderly iFund program, financing organizations that provide direct services to seniors aged 65+ living independently at home. Find out more at https://www.occf.org/ifunds/elderly/.
Assistance for Senior Veterans and Disabled Seniors
The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs offers services and resources to senior military veterans in Oklahoma. The Department provides access to federal benefits, disability claims, healthcare, survivor benefits, entrepreneurship, employment, education, health, and suicide prevention services. The Department also serves seniors in the seven long-term care institutions it operates throughout the city. Read more at https://oklahoma.gov/veterans/veterans-services.html.
With funds from the Older Americans Act, disabled seniors receive similar services, including home-delivered meals, health services, nutrition education, outreach, and legal support. Find out more at https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/aging/titleiii.html.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What financial assistance programs are available for seniors in Oklahoma? Seniors in Oklahoma can access the Oklahoma Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program for fresh produce, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for utility bill aid, and the Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) for help with Medicare costs and prescription drugs.
2. How can seniors apply for Medicaid in Oklahoma? Medicaid applications can be submitted online through the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s (OHCA) website, by phone, or by visiting a local county office. Necessary documentation includes proof of income, assets, residency, and age.
3. What housing assistance is available for seniors in Oklahoma? The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) for rental assistance and provides resources on affordable senior housing options. The agency also supports home repair programs for seniors.
4. Can seniors receive assistance with utility bills in Oklahoma? Yes, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers financial help to seniors struggling with heating and cooling expenses, promoting a comfortable living environment throughout the year.
5. How do seniors get help with prescription medications in Oklahoma? The Oklahoma Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) provides assistance with Medicare Part D and offers information on programs to help manage the costs of prescription medications.
6. Are there property tax relief programs for seniors in Oklahoma? Oklahoma offers a Senior Valuation Freeze to eligible seniors, freezing the property tax valuation of their primary residence to help manage property tax liabilities.
7. What in-home care services can seniors access in Oklahoma? The ADvantage Waiver Program provides various in-home services, including personal care, meal delivery, and home modifications, to support seniors wishing to remain in their homes.
8. How can seniors access transportation services in Oklahoma? Transportation services for seniors are available through local Area Agencies on Aging, offering reduced-fare or free rides for medical appointments, shopping, and other essential activities.
9. What nutritional programs support seniors in Oklahoma? The Senior Nutrition Program offers meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals through programs like Meals on Wheels, ensuring seniors have access to nutritious food and opportunities for social interaction.
10. How can seniors in Oklahoma receive legal assistance? Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma provides free legal help to seniors on various issues, including healthcare, housing, consumer rights, and elder abuse, ensuring their legal needs are met.
