Elder Assistance
Reimbursement Program

Program Overview

The Shawnee Tribe Elder Assistance Reimbursement Program provides funds to assist with expenses incurred in the general welfare of elder citizens and purchases of eligible elder care items. Tribal citizens 65 years of age or older qualify for this benefit. The citizen’s income, location or dual citizenship status are not used to determine eligibility.

Reimbursement requests may be submitted up to three times per year, not to exceed a total of $500.00 per eligible citizen per fiscal year (October 1 – September 30). Purchases from October 1, 2023 onward will be considered for assistance.

Citizens who intend to apply for this benefit are encouraged to contact program staff ahead of completing an application to verify whether a purchase is eligible for reimbursement through Elder Assistance. Please contact Brittany Turner at socialservices@shawnee-tribe.com or (918) 542-2441, ext. 106 for assistance.

Website Headshot_Kimberly Miller
Kimberly
Miller
DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT, SOCIAL SERVICES & HIGHER EDUCATION
Brittany-Crowe
Brittany
Turner
Program Specialist

Reimbursable expenses include but are not limited to:

Medical & hygienic items, supplies, and equipment

  • Prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications
  • Ambulatory products (wheelchairs, canes, walkers)
  • Eyeglasses
  • Dentures

Utilities, taxes, and insurance (Must be in citizen’s name or be able to establish residency)

  • Mortgage or rent
  • Electric, natural gas, propane, water, or trash service
  • Phone or internet bill
  • Property tax
  • Health care or life insurance
  • Homeowner, renter, or auto insurance

Groceries

  • Excludes alcohol, tobacco, clothing, and cosmetics

Home maintenance

  • Lawn care
  • Handyman services

Required documents
& how to apply

Required Documents:

  • Complete application
  • Copy of Shawnee Tribe citizen enrollment card
  • Original receipts demonstrating eligible purchases*
  • Other documents as requested

*Receipts must meet the following guidelines to be considered reimbursable: 

  • Must be an original, itemized receipt including purchase date and total purchase price
  • Applicants must include the citizen’s name and enrollment number on the top of each receipt.
  • It is preferred that receipts do not include other non-reimbursable items.
  • Printed receipts for online purchases are accepted.
  • Handwritten receipts are discouraged; however, an exception may be made on a case-by-case basis for small local services such as lawn care.
Application Packet

Applications are processed in the order they are received. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Original receipts must be submitted via mail or delivered in person at Shawnee Tribe Headquarters. Applications and other required documentation may be submitted via email, mail, or in person at Shawnee Tribe Headquarters.

As stated above, citizens who intend to apply for this benefit are encouraged to contact the Education & Social Services Department ahead of completing their application to verify whether a purchase is reimbursable through Elder Assistance. Please contact Brittany Turner at socialservices@shawnee-tribe.com or (918) 542-2441, ext. 106 for assistance.