Senior benefits in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma

The Central Oklahoma Economic Development District (COEDD) Area Agency on Aging in Shawnee serves Pottawatomie County. Its free Information and Assistance line links older adults to help with caregiver support, case management, home care, home repairs, housing, long-term care options, Medicaid (ADvantage program), Medicare, senior center programs, transportation and more. Many programs have no income guidelines. Caregiver Support Services gives respite vouchers, with no income limit, to caregivers of loved ones 55 and older who need help with daily activities like bathing or dressing. Outreach staff do free in-home needs assessments. Call 405-273-6410 ext. 128.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS, often called "DHS") serves Pottawatomie County at the Shawnee office at 24 W Main St, Shawnee. Offices are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and EBT cards are available there. You can apply for, renew, or manage SNAP food benefits, TANF, child care, or energy assistance online, or get help in person at the office. For help applying, call 405-522-5050. For the ADvantage program, which offers an alternative to nursing home care, call 1-800-435-4711. To report abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult, call the Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-522-3511.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee is part of SSM Health, which gives financial assistance to patients who are uninsured, underinsured, not eligible for government programs, or otherwise unable to pay for medically necessary care. Help is based on need, using Federal Poverty Levels with income and household size. Emergency care is given regardless of ability to pay. Send the application with your documents by mail, email or fax. To have an application mailed to you, or for questions, call customer service toll free at 888-918-3512.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Central Oklahoma Transit System (COTS), run by Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency, gives demand-response rides open to the public in Pottawatomie and Seminole counties, including trips to medical appointments and shopping. Vehicles are ADA-accessible. Book rides 48 hours ahead. Senior citizen and veteran rides are $4.00 one way inside the City of Shawnee and the City of Seminole, and senior ticket books are $40.00 for 10 rides. Rides outside city limits are priced by mileage; call for the discounted rate. An assistant who helps a rider rides free. Call 405-273-3000.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year