Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Oklahoma. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Oklahoma)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Oklahoma SHIP)
Oklahoma's Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program (SHIP) is run by the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Counselors give free, unbiased one-on-one help with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, and Medigap, and they screen you for the Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help. Call 1-800-522-0071 or visit oid.ok.gov. If you cannot get through, the national SHIP locator at shiphelp.org or 1-877-839-2675 routes you to a local counselor.
Medicaid in Oklahoma
Oklahoma's Medicaid program is SoonerCare, administered by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. You can apply online at mysoonercare.org or get free help applying by calling the SoonerCare Helpline at 1-800-987-7767.
Prescription help
Oklahoma does not run a general state pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP) for seniors. Ask your SHIP counselor (1-800-522-0071) to screen you for Medicare's Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy, which lowers Part D costs, and check BenefitsCheckUp.org for patient-assistance and manufacturer programs.
Energy and utility help
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is run by Oklahoma Human Services and helps low-income households with winter heating and summer cooling costs. There is also an Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECAP) for emergencies. Households with seniors get priority for cooling assistance. Apply online at okdhslive.org during open enrollment, or leave a message at 405-522-5050. You can also dial 211 or reach NEAR at 1-866-674-6327.
Property tax relief (Oklahoma)
Oklahoma offers several senior programs, filed with your county assessor:
- Senior Valuation Limitation (the "senior freeze"): freezes the fair cash value of your primary home if you are 65 or older before January 1 and meet your county's income limit. The limit is set each year to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development median family income for your county, so it varies by county (for example, Oklahoma County and Canadian County set the 2026 limit at $99,000). Apply on Form 994, generally by March 15. Confirm your county's exact income figure with your county assessor.
- Additional Homestead Exemption: homeowners 65 and older (or any age) with gross household income under $30,000 (the same limit in all counties) get an extra $1,000 off assessed value on top of the standard homestead exemption.
- Property Tax Credit or Refund (Form 538-H): a refund for very low-income seniors and disabled homeowners. Ask your county assessor or the Oklahoma Tax Commission whether you qualify.
The Senior Valuation Limitation can be combined with the Additional Homestead Exemption and the Credit or Refund. Call your county assessor to confirm the current income limits and deadlines.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
The Aging Services Division of Oklahoma Human Services funds meals, adult day services, personal care, respite, caregiver support, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and transportation through your Area Agency on Aging. Reach these services through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or 211. To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult, contact Oklahoma Human Services Adult Protective Services (dial 211 or 1-800-522-3511). For free legal help, 211 and lawhelp.org connect you with Oklahoma legal aid for seniors.
Frequently asked questions
What is Oklahoma's SHIP program? It is the Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program, run by the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Free Medicare counseling is at 1-800-522-0071.
Does Oklahoma offer senior property tax relief? Yes. The Senior Valuation Limitation freezes your home's value if you are 65 or older and meet your county's income limit (set to the HUD county median, so it varies by county). File Form 994 with your county assessor, generally by March 15. Seniors under $30,000 income also get an Additional Homestead Exemption.
How do Oklahoma seniors get help with energy bills? Apply for LIHEAP through Oklahoma Human Services at okdhslive.org during open enrollment, or dial 211. Seniors get priority for cooling assistance.
What is SoonerCare? It is Oklahoma's Medicaid program, run by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Apply at mysoonercare.org or call 1-800-987-7767.
Sources
- Oklahoma Insurance Department, Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program (SHIP): https://www.oid.ok.gov/consumers/information-for-seniors/senior-health-insurance-counseling-program-ship/
- Oklahoma Health Care Authority, SoonerCare: SoonerCare Helpline 1-800-987-7767 / mysoonercare.org
- Oklahoma Human Services, LIHEAP: https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/liheap/utilityservicesliheapmain.html
- Oklahoma Tax Commission, Form 994 (Senior Valuation Limitation): https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/tax/documents/forms/ad-valorem/current/994.pdf
- Tulsa County Assessor, Senior Valuation Limitation: https://assessor.tulsacounty.org/Exemption/SeniorFreeze
- Canadian County, Senior Property Valuation Freeze: http://www.canadiancounty.org/866/Senior-Property-Valuation-Freeze
Verified June 9, 2026. Program limits and dates change; confirm with the official source before relying on a figure.