You’ve spent decades working hard, paying bills, and now you’ve finally reached retirement age. Congratulations! After all that time and effort, you’ve earned the right to enjoy your golden years. The only problem is, retirement isn’t always easy from a financial perspective. From your healthcare costs to living expenses, retirement can bring its fair share of challenges.
Did you know there are a bunch of resources and agencies in Oklahoma specifically designed to help seniors thrive in retirement? Whether you need assistance paying for medications, transportation, nutrition services, or just social interaction and activities to combat boredom or isolation, programs across the state have got your back. In this guide, we’re going to discover some of Oklahoma Retirement Assistance and some of the many perks and benefits Oklahoma offers retirees to make your later years truly golden.
Section 202 Supportive Housing
Most people’s largest expense is housing, which can add a lot of stress to your plate if you are living on a budget. That’s why resources like the Section 202 Supportive Housing program provides a lifeline for many seniors. The Section 202 program offers affordable housing with services for seniors. If you’re 62 or older and meet their income limits, you may qualify for rent subsidies and assistance.
With this Department of Housing & Urban Development program, private nonprofit organizations develop and operate affordable senior housing. As a program member, you only have to pay 30% of your adjusted income for rent.
Apply For Section 202
To apply, contact properties in your area that offer Section 202 housing. Many have waiting lists, so apply as early as possible to prepare for the future. You’ll need to provide information like:
- Your income & assets from a recent fiscal year
- Documentation to verify your age and income
Once accepted, you can move into a one-bedroom apartment and enjoy community amenities like laundry rooms, community rooms, and even transportation services. Note that Section 202 doesn’t typically provide services like medication management, meal preparation, physical therapy, or help with dressing, bathing, or other daily activities, however, you may be able to hire your own caretaker if needed.
Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System
Are you a teacher or a school staff member in Oklahoma nearing retirement? If so, the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System (OTRS) can help you prepare for your golden years. OTRS provides retirement benefits for most teachers, administrative employees, board members, and trustees of a public school. To qualify for benefits, you need at least 5 years of service and must be at least 60 years old (or meet certain medical requirements). The amount you receive depends on your years of service and employer contributions.
Once you decide to retire, notify your school district at least 60 days before your last day of work. They will submit a retirement application to OTRS on your behalf. You should also contact OTRS directly to discuss your options and ensure your records are in order.
Medicare
If you’re over 65, you qualify for Medicare, the government health insurance program. Medicare Part A covers hospital stays and Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care.
Medicare Advantage
You’ve probably heard of Medicare, but what about Medicare advantage? Medicare Advantage plans like HMOs and PPOs are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. They provide the same coverage as Medicare Parts A and B, and often include Part D prescription drug coverage. Many offer extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and even some wellness programs. You pay a monthly premium for these plans, but out-of-pocket costs are usually lower.
For prescription drug coverage, consider a Medicare Part D stand-alone plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription coverage. Part D plans vary in terms of premiums, deductibles, and which drugs are covered, so compare plans each year during open enrollment.
Medicaid
If your income is limited, you have a chance to qualify for Medicaid, a state and federal program that helps cover long-term care, home health, medication, and other medical expenses. Medicaid also provides additional help for Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs. To apply, contact your local Medicaid office.
Social Activities and Community Involvement for Oklahoma Senior Citizens
As a senior in Oklahoma, staying socially active and involved in your community is important for both your physical and mental wellbeing. Here are some ways to connect with others:
Senior Centers
Oklahoma has hundreds of senior centers offering social activities and community involvement opportunities. They provide low-cost or free meals, exercise classes, entertainment, arts and crafts, volunteering, and day trips. Locate your nearest senior center online or call your city or county for information.
Join Social or Interest Groups
Look for local social groups, clubs, or meetups in Oklahoma based on your hobbies, ethnicity, religion, or other interests. This is an easy way to find companionship and build new friendships. Check with your place of worship, senior center, community center, or search online for groups in your area.
Retirees Can Qualify For a FREE PHONE With FREE DATA!!
We know retirement is stressful, but hopefully some of the government assistance and support out there can help you live the golden years you deserve. Not only can you get assistance in housing, finances, health care, food, and more, but you can now also qualify for some incredible benefits with EASY Wireless!
Partnering with programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) & Lifeline, you’re likely eligible for a FREE phone and FREE unlimited data as a senior. Here’s how you can apply today:
Lifeline/ACP Programs with EASY Wireless
Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are government programs designed to make phone and internet services more affordable for eligible low-income seniors and families. Here at EASY Wireless, we understand the importance of affordable connectivity for everyone, especially seniors, and we want to help you access the benefits of these programs so you can stay connected to your friends & family during retirement.
What Benefits Do You Get With EASY Wireless?
Upon qualifying for one of the programs above with EASY Wireless, here’s what you receive:
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Card Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
How do I Apply For EASY Wireless Benefits?
To get started with EASY Wireless, apply online by clicking the below:
Start Saving Today!
Or you can come to one of the EASY Wireless’s retail stores, where our customer service agent will help you apply for the benefits.
Either way, the first step is to provide proof of identity with a government-issued ID. This is so you can confirm your participation in one of the qualifying programs or that you meet the income requirement.
We accept the following U.S. Government Issued ID:
- U.S. Driver License
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Government, State or Tribal issued-ID
- U.S. Military ID cards
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Permanent Resident Alien Cards
You can show the following documents to prove that you are taking part in a government assistance program or use them as proof of active benefits:
- Statement of benefits from a qualifying Program.
- Notice letter of participation, such as an award letter
- Program participation documents, such as a screenshot from an online account.
- In order to show income, you can provide any of the following proofs:
- Unemployment Documentation
- Copy of your State or Federal income tax return.
- Three months’ worth of current pay stubs.
- Veterans Administration or SSI benefits letter.
- A divorce decree or child support document that states income.
- Retirement or pension statement.
Need More Than Just One Line of Service or an Additional Phone?
EASY Wireless is a full-service cellular store that cares about all of your communication needs. We have a wide range of pre-paid plans for every budget and usage requirement. Also, we offer a selection of brand-name phones that combine quality, reliability, and the latest technology.
That’s not all – we also provide an array of amazing accessories to enhance your mobile experience. At EASY Wireless, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring you find the perfect plan, phone, and accessories to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Visit us for all your cell phone and wireless service needs today!
