Grants for Seniors in Houston

Grants and Assistance for Seniors in Houston, Texas (2026 Guide)

Last updated: January 03, 2026

If You Need Emergency Help

• Life-threatening emergency: call 911.
• Mental health or emotional crisis: call or text 988 or use the chat at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Get help now.
• Abuse, neglect, or exploitation (at home or in a facility): report to Texas Adult Protective Services 24/7 at 1‑800‑252‑5400 or online at the Texas Abuse Hotline (info: DFPS Adult Protective Services).
• Quick referrals to food, shelter, and bill help: call 2‑1‑1 or visit 2‑1‑1 Texas.
• Homelessness or eviction concerns:
  • Find shelters and services via HUD’s Find Shelter.
  • In Houston/Harris County, contact the Continuum of Care lead, the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County.
• Veteran in crisis: call the VA’s 24/7 hotline at 877‑424‑3838 (National Call Center for Homeless Veterans).

Key Takeaways

• Start with three places: Your Texas Benefits (state benefits), the Harris County Area Agency on Aging, and your local housing/utility offices.
• Houston has help for rent (Section 8 vouchers and affordable apartments), home repairs (city/county programs, USDA, Rebuilding Together, Habitat), food (SNAP, Meals on Wheels), healthcare costs (Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help), utilities (CEAP, payment plans), and transportation (METRO senior discounts and METROLift, Medicaid rides).
• Expect waitlists for housing, repairs, and sometimes Meals on Wheels. Apply early, get on lists, and ask for alternatives while you wait.
• Use official sources, keep copies of your paperwork, and watch for scams. If someone asks for money to “guarantee” benefits, it’s a red flag.
• For Houston-specific Medicare counseling, caregiver help, and meals, contact the Harris County Area Agency on Aging (832‑393‑4301).

Tip: Create a folder with your ID, Social Security number, proof of address, income, bank statements, rent/mortgage, and medical bills. You’ll need these for most applications.

How to Use This Guide

This guide focuses on help available to older adults in Houston and Harris County, with links to statewide programs. For each need (money, food, housing, repairs, healthcare, utilities, transportation, legal help), you’ll see what the program does, who it helps, and where to apply.

If you need data or want to compare options, many programs set income limits using the Federal Poverty Guidelines. See current limits on HealthCare.gov’s FPL page. For senior population statistics, use the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and search “Houston city, Texas S0103” at data.census.gov.

Quick‑Start Directory (Apply Here First)

Sources: Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC), Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), City of Houston, Harris County.

Money and Food Help

SNAP and TSAP (Simplified SNAP for Seniors)

• What it does: Monthly funds on a Lone Star Card to buy groceries. TSAP is a simplified form for households where everyone is age 60+ or has a disability and no one works.
• Who qualifies: Income limits, household size, and immigration status apply. Seniors can also deduct out‑of‑pocket medical expenses to increase benefits.
• Where to apply: Apply for SNAP at Your Texas Benefits and learn about TSAP for seniors.

Reality check: If you think you’re “over income” by a little, apply anyway. Seniors can claim medical deductions that may help you qualify.

Meals on Wheels and Local Meal Sites

• What it does: Delivers meals and provides wellness checks to homebound older adults.
• Where to apply: Interfaith Ministries runs Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston.
• Congregate meals & nutrition counseling: The Harris County AAA supports meal sites and nutrition services; contact the Harris County Area Agency on Aging (832‑393‑4301) for locations and eligibility.

Reality check: Houston often has waitlists for home-delivered meals. Ask about “frozen meals,” “waitlist wellness calls,” or short‑term alternatives.

Limited Cash Help for Grandfamilies

• What it does: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) can help if you are a grandparent or relative raising a child.
• Where to apply: TANF at Your Texas Benefits.

Property Tax Savings (Homeowners 65+)

• Over‑65 Homestead Exemption: Cuts property taxes on your primary residence. See the Texas Comptroller’s property tax exemptions.
• Over‑65 Tax Deferral: Lets you delay paying property taxes until you move or the home is sold (interest accrues). Details at the Texas Comptroller’s elderly/disabled deferral page.
• Local filing: File exemptions with the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD).

Reality check: Deferral is not forgiveness. Interest adds up. Speak with HCAD or a HUD‑approved counselor before deciding: Find a HUD‑approved housing counselor.

Phone and Internet Discounts

• Lifeline: Monthly discount on phone or internet for qualifying households. Check eligibility at the Lifeline Support site.
• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): Federal funding ended in 2024. Ask your provider about low‑cost “senior” or “essential” plans.

Housing and Rent Help in Houston

Section 8 Vouchers and Public Housing

• Houston Housing Authority (HHA): Provides Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and public housing. Check status and openings at the Houston Housing Authority.
• Harris County Housing Authority (HCHA): Serves areas outside the City of Houston within Harris County. See programs and announcements at the Harris County Housing Authority.
• State and nationwide lists: Search housing authorities via HUD’s PHA directory (Texas). TDHCA also runs limited HCV programs: TDHCA Section 8.

Reality check: Waitlists are often long or closed. Get on multiple lists (city and county) and check smaller nearby towns for shorter waits.

Affordable Apartments (No Voucher Needed)

• What it is: Apartments built with Low‑Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that offer below‑market rents. Many are 55+ or 62+ communities.
• Where to search: Use TDHCA’s statewide tool: Affordable Apartments Search.
• Tip: Ask property managers about “senior set‑asides,” current income limits, and availability.

Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (Disabilities)

• What it does: Rent help tied to long‑term services for people with disabilities (including some seniors with disabilities).
• Where to learn more: TDHCA Section 811 PRA.

Reality check: Strict eligibility and limited properties. Your AAA or an Aging & Disability Resource Center can help with referrals: Find an ADRC.

Homelessness Prevention and Shelter

• Where to start: Call 2‑1‑1 and contact the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County.
• HUD resource: HUD Find Shelter.
• Veterans: Call 877‑424‑3838 and visit the VA Homeless Programs.

Housing Programs Snapshot (Houston Area)

Home Repairs, Accessibility, and Weatherization

City and County Home Repair Programs

• City of Houston (HCDD): Offers owner‑occupied home repair programs when funding is available (roof, plumbing, accessibility, and hazard fixes). Check application windows and eligibility at the City of Houston Housing & Community Development Department.
• Harris County Community Services Department (CSD): Runs countywide repair and rehabilitation programs when funded. Learn more at Harris County Community Services.

Reality check: Funding cycles open and close. Get on email lists, reapply each year, and ask staff about emergency repairs and accessibility grants.

USDA Single Family Housing Repair (Section 504)

• What it does: Grants (62+) and low‑interest loans to fix health and safety hazards in owner‑occupied homes.
• Where to apply: See the Texas program page and contact your local office via USDA Section 504 (Texas).

Key rules: Home must be your primary residence. Grants may need to be repaid if you sell the home within three years.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

• What it does: No‑cost energy‑saving upgrades (insulation, sealing, HVAC tune‑ups) to lower monthly utility bills.
• Who qualifies: Income-based; seniors and people with disabilities often get priority.
• Where to apply: Find your local provider via TDHCA Weatherization.

Nonprofit Repair Partners

• Rebuilding Together Houston: Free critical health‑and‑safety repairs and aging‑in‑place modifications for qualifying homeowners: Rebuilding Together Houston.
• Habitat for Humanity Houston: Critical repairs and accessibility modifications (programs vary): Habitat for Humanity Houston.

Home Repair & Weatherization at a Glance

Healthcare and Long‑Term Care

Free, Unbiased Medicare Counseling

• Texas HICAP/SHIP: One‑on‑one help choosing Medicare plans, Medicare Advantage, Part D, Medigap, billing issues, and fraud prevention.
• Where to get help:
  • Harris County AAA: Medicare counseling via Harris County Area Agency on Aging (832‑393‑4301).
  • State info: HHSC Medicare page.

Medicaid for Seniors and Long‑Term Services

• What it does: Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD) can cover doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and—in some programs—long‑term services at home or in nursing facilities.
• Programs include: Nursing Facility Medicaid; STAR+PLUS (managed care) with Home‑ and Community‑Based Services (HCBS) for those who meet nursing‑home level of care but want to remain at home.
• Where to apply: Apply for Medicaid (MEPD) at Your Texas Benefits.

Reality check: You must meet both financial and functional rules for HCBS. Expect assessments and possible waitlists. If moving from a facility back to the community, ask about Money Follows the Person.

PACE (Program of All‑Inclusive Care for the Elderly)

• What it does: Combines Medicare and Medicaid to coordinate medical care, adult day services, therapies, and home supports for people who meet nursing‑home level of care and can live safely in the community.
• Availability: Check if PACE serves your ZIP code using Medicare’s PACE provider finder.

Help with Medicare Costs

• Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI): May pay your Part A/B premiums and cost‑sharing if you qualify. Learn and apply via the HHSC Medicare page.
• Extra Help (Part D Low‑Income Subsidy): Lowers prescription drug costs. Apply through Social Security’s Extra Help.
• Compare plans each year: Use the Medicare Plan Finder.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing

• Donated Dental Services (Texas): Volunteer dentists provide comprehensive care to eligible seniors with disabilities or medical fragility: Dental Lifeline Network—Texas.
• UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry Clinics: Reduced‑cost dental care provided by supervised students and residents: UTHealth School of Dentistry—Patients.
• Community Health Centers (FQHCs): Sliding‑fee dental, vision, and primary care at clinics like Legacy Community Health and others. Find a clinic via HRSA’s Find a Health Center.
• Vision support: For Texans 55+ with significant visual impairment, TWC’s Older Individuals Who Are Blind Program offers skills training.

Mental Health and Substance Use

• 24/7 crisis: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• Local authority: The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD provides crisis lines, clinics, and services in Harris County: The Harris Center.
• Medicare/Medicaid: Both cover many behavioral health services; ask your plan for in‑network providers.

Healthcare Cost Helpers (Summary)

Transportation

Medicaid Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

• What it does: Free rides to doctor/dentist, dialysis, hospital (non‑emergency), and pharmacy for Medicaid members. Rides may be taxis, rideshares, transit, or mileage reimbursement.
• Where to learn more: HHSC Medical Transportation Program.

Tip: Book at least two business days ahead (five days for out‑of‑area visits).

Public Transit and Paratransit (Houston Area)

• METRO (Houston): Senior reduced fares and METROLift paratransit for people with disabilities under ADA. See routes, fares, and eligibility at METRO Houston and METROLift Paratransit.

…Harris County Transit: Serves parts of Harris County outside METRO’s service area and may be a better fit if you live outside the City of Houston or don’t have easy access to fixed-route service.

Harris County RIDES (subsidized curb-to-curb trips)

– What it can help with: Low-cost, curb-to-curb rides using contracted transportation providers.
– Who it’s for: Older adults (62+) and people with disabilities in participating Harris County areas (registration/eligibility required).
– How it works: You register first, then pay a portion of each trip while the program subsidizes the rest (RIDES E‑Card).
– Learn how it works (Passenger User Guide): https://rides.harriscountytx.gov/How-to-Ride/Passenger-User-Guide
– Phone: 713‑368‑RIDE (7433)

Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (Harris County Medical Program / select areas)

– What it can help with: No-cost rides to non-emergency medical appointments for qualifying residents in specific service areas.
– Who it’s for: Eligible residents who are 62+ or disabled and do not have access to METRO bus/rail or ADA programs (service-area rules apply).
– Details + service area info: https://transit.harriscountytx.gov/Maps-Services/Non-Emergency-Medical-Program
– Phone: 832‑927‑4952

Texas Medicaid Medical Transportation Program (MTP)

– What it can help with: Non-emergency rides to covered medical care if you have no other way to get there.
– Who it’s for: Eligible Medicaid (and certain other) clients.
– Phone: 877‑MED‑TRIP (877‑633‑8747)
– Info: https://www.tmhp.com/programs/mtp

If you’re not sure what you qualify for:

call 2‑1‑1 and ask for “senior transportation options” for your ZIP code. (They can often tell you which programs are open and where to apply.)

Utilities and Bill Help (Electric, Gas, Water)

Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

– What it can help with: Past-due electricity/gas (and sometimes water), plus limited HVAC help when funding is available.
– Who it’s for: Income-based eligibility; seniors and people with disabilities are often prioritized.
– Start here (Houston region CEAP): https://unitedwayhouston.org/ceap/
– Need help applying: Call 713‑590‑2327 or dial 2‑1‑1

City of Houston water bill help

– If you have a past‑due balance: ask about payment arrangements.
– Houston Water phone: 713‑371‑1400

W.A.T.E.R. Fund (Water Aid to Elderly Residents)

– What it can help with: Limited assistance for eligible low‑income elderly residential customers (rules apply).
– Start with Houston Water: 713‑371‑1400

CenterPoint and other providers

– If you’re behind: ask about payment plans, extensions, and “payment assistance” options.
– CenterPoint phone: 713‑659‑2111
– Info hub: https://www.centerpointenergy.com/

Tip: If you rely on medical equipment that requires electricity, ask your provider about a **medical priority/critical care** designation and what documentation they require.

Legal Help, Benefits Counseling, and Consumer Protection

Lone Star Legal Aid (free civil legal services)

– What it can help with: Housing/eviction issues, benefits problems, consumer/debt issues, and other civil matters (eligibility rules apply).
– Start here: https://www.lonestarlegal.org/
– Houston phone: 713‑652‑0077 (toll‑free 800‑733‑8394)

Benefits counseling (Medicare/Medicaid/other programs)

– Best “one call” option in Harris County: **Harris County Area Agency on Aging**
– Phone: 832‑393‑4301

Long‑Term Care Ombudsman (nursing home/assisted living concerns)

– If you’re worried about safety, care quality, neglect, or unresolved facility issues, ask the Area Agency on Aging for the Ombudsman program and complaint steps.
– Phone: 832‑393‑4301

Scam warning: Be cautious of anyone who promises they can “guarantee” housing, Section 8, Medicare/Medicaid, home repair grants, or utility assistance for a fee. Use official agencies or well-known nonprofits, and confirm details through 2‑1‑1 when unsure.

Caregiver Support and Staying Independent

Caregiver support + respite referrals

– What it can help with: Caregiver education, counseling, respite options (when available), and referrals to local support services.
– Start with the Harris County Area Agency on Aging: 832‑393‑4301

Meals and supportive services

– If you’re homebound, having trouble cooking, or need help staying safe at home, ask about nutrition programs and in-home support referrals.

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What to Gather Before You Apply (Most Programs)

Having these ready can speed things up:
– Photo ID
– Proof of address (lease, utility bill, mortgage statement)
– Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pension, pay stubs)
– Proof of expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, medical bills)
– Medicare/Medicaid cards (if applicable)
– If you’re applying based on disability: medical documentation and provider contact info

Quick Start (If You Don’t Know Where to Begin)

1. Call **2‑1‑1** for current openings and the right agency for your ZIP code.
2. Apply for Texas benefits (SNAP/Medicaid, etc.): https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/
3. For senior services in Harris County, call the **Area Agency on Aging**: 832‑393‑4301
4. For transportation, compare **METRO**, **METROLift**, and **Harris County RIDES** based on where you live and your eligibility.

Note: Programs change funding and rules throughout the year. Always confirm eligibility and application steps on the official program page or by phone before submitting documents.

Disclaimer

Program rules, phone numbers, and links can change. Always confirm details with the official agency or your local Area Agency on Aging. This guide is for information only and is not legal or financial advice.

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About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 20265
• Next Review: April 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.

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