Disability benefit programs in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma residents with a disability can get help from several different organizations. The state or partner non-profit agencies provide everything from grant money to financial help, job training, medical and more for income qualified residents. While most of the benefits are administered by the Department of Human Services - Oklahoma Development Disabilities, there are a few different options as well. Find help for people with a disability in Oklahoma. The state will work with individuals, their caregivers and family members to ensure that they have the support and assistance they need. Help is offered for both short term needs as well as longer term case management and self-sufficiency services. Whether disability benefits from the government, such as social security SSI, or help from a local non-profit in OK, many resources are offered. More information on some of the assistance programs is below.
Financial help for people with a disability in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Development Disabilities - Department of Human Services
, administers many of the resources. They are often the first place that residents contact for financial help with their bills as well as other information. Some of their leading benefits include the following. Job training and placement from Community Integrated Employment (CIE) helps coordinate short or long-term support. This aid can help individuals in finding and maintaining employment within their Oklahoma town or county. Assistance is provided in an integrated setting in the community. Having a job will also usually not impact any SSDI financial aid payments or other social security benefits. Cash payments for disabled adults with kids from the Family Support Assistance program is for families with children under the age of 18. The exact amount paid out will depend on how many disabled members (kids) live at the home. Oklahoma residents that are qualified can decide to receive this cash assistance over other Community-Based or government benefits and/or services Medicaid Home. Other government grant money is available in OK, including from TANF or social security. The free government money can be used for basic needs such as food, housing/rent, or utility bills. The disabled in Oklahoma often benefit from various federal assistance programs such as LIHEAP for their utility bills. It operates year round for summer and winter bills. More on Oklahoma LIHEAP utility bill help . The Department of Human Services runs Group Homes and provides living arrangements as well. These will tend to be single-family homes located as close as possible to their current community and loved ones. The agency or group home receives reimbursement from the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) for supporting the programs and the residents of the home.
Assisted Living
is an option from DHS for individuals with mental retardation who do not receive any other assistance or social services through a Home or Community-Based Services Waiver. Clients will also be required to receive minimal support in order to live safely in their own home.
Sheltered Workshop (Center Based Services
) coordinates work and training in a controlled environment with many other individuals and families with disabilities. Qualified workers are paid in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as well as their individual production. What may be offered includes intake, assessment, job training and other transitional services. The goal is to have this lead to community job placement at the proper time. Funding for these sheltered workshops comes from Community-Based Services Waivers as well as government grants. Respite worker vouchers is a cash payment for caregivers . Financial assistance is for those that are caring fulltime for adults or children with a medical condition or developmental disabilities. The government benefit for caregivers pays for care so that the provider or caregiver can get a temporary break, relief or rest from full time care. Human Services offers this for a fulltime caregiver of an individual with developmental disabilities. Note that there are income requirements in place and also respite care receivers cannot be receiving DDSD Waivered Services. Other programs include
Guardianship Assistance
, which includes assessment of the need for a guardian, help to locate a volunteer or family member to serve as guardian, and vouchers for attorney’s fees to set up a program. Job training and vocational support is offered. Also get information on applying for federal benefits. Utility bill assistance for the disabled is offered from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) All of the programs and resources above are overseen by the Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Development Disabilities. Call your local service office or dial (405) 522-5050 for more details or the DHS disability council at 1-800-836-4470. The state’s Department of Human and Social Services also oversees federal government benefits such as daycare, food stamps, Medicaid and others. Low income families with a disability may apply or qualify for the following.
Child Care Subsidies
can pay a portion of day care costs for a disabled kid/newborn if you are working or in job training. ). Low income families in Oklahoma, whether disabled or not, can get help from federal government daycare programs too. There is direct financial aid, help in finding safe child care providers, and many other services arranged. Learn more on government free daycare programs . Other benefits is offered from
Food Stamps and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP
). Or inquire into public health care from Medicaid , which is for low-income households or those in poverty - whether they are disabled or not.
The Department of Health’s Children with Special Health Care Needs
coordinates specialty services for children diagnosed with conditions such as sickle cell anemia and other disabilities. The department will coordinate respite care services, formula for children with PKU, and also outreach clinics in rural areas. The address is 2400 Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Call (405) 521-3679. The
Oklahoma Human Services’ Aging Services Division
focuses most of its aid on seniors, but assistance is also available for adults with a disability. Some of the benefits provided include Adult Day Services, which is a community-based program to help older people with functional impairments. They will be provided a care plan to gain stability. Another option is the ADvantage Services, which provides government assistance and Medicaid benefits to help older, disabled individuals stay at home instead of going to a nursing home. Another aging services program is the Pharmacy Connection Council, which will work to improve access for income qualified and disabled citizens with no or inadequate health insurance. The program will assist them with the purchase of medically necessary prescription drugs. Other assistance can include transportation, help with daily living, State Plan Personal Care, and others. Call (405) 521-2281. The
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
oversees government supported medical care that addresses mental health and related services. The organization will coordinate a broad range of assistance, including community mental health centers. They will offer outpatient services and also often host sites for other specialized programs. Telephone - (405) 522-3908. The Oklahoma Department also partners with free community clinics in Oklahoma .
Part and full time jobs (or training) for people in OK with a disability
The Oklahoma Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
is the department that focuses on assisting qualified residents individuals with disabilities get prepared for employment. The state will help them get employed and hold the job. While the primary job training and vocational rehabilitation services are guidance as well as counseling for placement, other employment and social services may also be provided as needed. This includes assistive technology evaluations, physical or mental restoration; vocational, college or other training; and any needed equipment and training. Individuals may also get personal assistance services, such as transportation, while receiving vocational rehabilitation services. The state of OK will help people with a disability get help paying for Uber or Lyft or give a discount for the rideshare. There is also transition school-to-work services for youth with disabilities. Other benefits are Vocational, college or other training. As the Department of Rehabilitation Services can even help the disabled get a scholarship or help get a GED. Younger people, such as teens, with a disability can get employment support. Transition school-to-work services for youth with disabilities; and other services and referrals. Also work with an Oklahoma Vocational Rehabilitation to create and Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).. Many other long term, income based services are coordinated. The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services offers free information. Call (800) 845-8476.
Medical and health care assistance in Oklahoma for the disabled
The Disabled in Oklahoma often need medical equipment too . There may be modifications to their house to make it safe and livable. Or maybe crutches, wheelchairs, CPAP machines, handrails, and other items for rehab. The state as well as non-profits will try to help. As an example, find CPAP machine assistance programs . The
Oklahoma Division of Visual Services
is an agency that will focus on those that are blind or that have a vision impairment. Some examples of the assistance include assistive technology evaluations, equipment and training. Another major program is run by the Instructional Services for People who are Blind. This group that is part of visual services helps clients regain or maintain maximum independence and self-sufficiency through communication methods. The classes/workshops also include instruction in personal and home management, skills for reading and writing Braille, keyboarding skills, adaptive devices and techniques, and recreation activities and also low vision technology. Oklahoma also offers the Older Blind Independent Living Program, which expands independent living services for people 55 years old or older and that are legally blind. Job training and employment benefits for the blind and hard of seeing include transportation, assistive technology, personal assistance, and information on other government and non-profit disability resources. The main phone number is (405) 951-3493. Other medical and dental care is arranged too. This is only for people approved by the Social Security Administration as well as the
Disability Determination Services process
. The benefits can be for people no matter their income, and it is possible to get dental implants, vouchers to pay for medications, Medicaid rides and more.
Other government and non-profit organizations in Oklahoma for the disabled
The leading, local as well as statewide programs to contact are below. However there are other programs too that adults, kids, or even the elderly with a disability can get help from. The state provides a resource guide with information on disability assistance ranging from free government money to home care and more. Ability Resources, Inc. Main address is 823 South Detroit Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74120. Call 918-592-1235 or Toll-free (800) 722-0886 They help people with a disability live independently.
Oklahoma Autism Network
Office is at 1200 N. Stonewall Ave., Oklahoma City, OK, 73177. Main phone 405.271.7476
Learning Disabilities Association of Oklahoma
5150 E 101st St, Jenks, OK 74037. Main phone: (918) 298-1600
Local Developmental Disabilities
There are several regional offices. These can focus on kids/youth with a developmental challenge. However adults can also apply, and get help with medical needs, bills and more. The contact information is North/Western Oklahoma (dial 1-800-522-1064) as well as an office in North/Eastern Oklahoma (1-800-522-1075) or in Central/Southern Oklahoma (dial 1-800-522-1086).
Mid-America Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America
Address: 6108 NW 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73132. Phone: (405) 721-7168
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Oklahoma Chapter
4606 East 67th Street, Tulsa, OK 74136. Call 1-800-344-4867 or try telephone - (918) 488-0882
The New View Oklahoma
501 North Douglas Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. Dial (405) 232-4644 Oklahoma Department of Health, Injury Prevention Service, Traumatic Brain Injury Lead Agency 1000 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117. Toll-free number is (800) 522-0204 or dial (405) 426-8440
Oklahoma Commission and Department of Rehabilitation Services
3535 NW 58th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. Toll-free (800) 845-8476
The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council
2401 NW 23rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73107. Call (405) 521 - 4984 or toll-free (800) 836-4470
Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Services Division
Address is Sequoyah Memorial Office Building, 2400 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Call (405) 521-6267
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
4545 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. For information on benefits, dial (405) 522-7300 They can help low-income people (including with a minor or major disability) get Medicaid. In addition, free government insurance for the long term disabled in Oklahoma is offered from Medicare.
Oklahoma Office of Disability Concerns
11212 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73120. Main Phone: (405) 521-3756 Oklahoma School for the Blind Main address is 3300 Gibson Street, Muskogee, OK 74403. Toll-free in Oklahoma (877) 229-7136 Oklahoma School for the Deaf 1100 East Oklahoma Ave., Sulphur, Oklahoma 73086. Dial 1-888-685-3323 TARC - The Arc of Oklahoma Main address: 2516 E 71st St A, Tulsa, OK 74136. For details, dial (918) 582-8272
United Cerebral Palsy of Oklahoma
10400 Greenbriar Pl # 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73159. Phone: (405) 759-3562