Senior benefits in Cleveland County, Oklahoma

Areawide Aging Agency in Oklahoma City is the Area Agency on Aging for Canadian, Cleveland, Logan and Oklahoma counties. Anyone over age 60 can use its services. It runs a staffed Aging Helpline and Information & Assistance, and may help with items Medicare does not cover, such as dentures and hearing aids, based on income and available funds. Other services include the Long Term Care Ombudsman, caregiver respite vouchers, health and wellness workshops, free legal help for people 60 and older through Legal Aid of Oklahoma, hot meals five days a week at nutrition sites for people 60 and older, and rides for adults 60 and older through EMBARK. Call 405-942-8500.

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

Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS, often called "DHS") serves Cleveland County at the Norman office at 303 E Comanche St., Norman. 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

Norman Regional Health System in Norman has a Charity Care Financial Assistance program for patients who meet federal poverty guidelines. Applications are reviewed based on income, assets and family size. The policy's sliding scale gives a 100% discount at 0%-180% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, 90% at 181%-200%, 80% at 201%-220%, and 70% at 221%-300%. Read the policy first, then mail the signed application to Patient Financial Services, 3300 HealthPlex Pkwy, Norman, OK 73072, or drop it off at the business office at 901 N. Porter Ave. For questions, call 405-307-5831.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

EMBARK Norman runs the city bus service in Norman, and it is currently fare-free thanks to the City of Norman. A fare is required on Oklahoma City routes, including the Norman Express commuter route. Norman PLUS paratransit gives rides to people who cannot use the local bus because of a medically documented physical or cognitive disability; an application is required. To request a Norman PLUS application by mail, call Mobility Management at 405-235-7433.

Estimated service value: $100–$1,000 a year