Grants for Seniors in Fort Worth

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

Last updated: December 28, 2025

If You Need Emergency Help

• Life-threatening emergency: Call 911.
• Mental health or emotional crisis: Call or text 988 or use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline chat: Visit 988lifeline.org
• Abuse, neglect, or exploitation (including at home or in a facility): Texas Adult Protective Services, 24/7 at 1‑800‑252‑5400 or online: Texas Abuse Hotline
• Quick referrals to food, housing, and bill help: Call 2‑1‑1 or visit 2‑1‑1 Texas
• Emergency shelter and housing services in Tarrant County: Contact Tarrant County Homeless Coalition (aHomeWithHope) and search options via HUD Find Shelter

Key Takeaways

• Start with three hubs: Your Texas Benefits (SNAP/Medicaid/Medicare savings), the Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County (caregiver support, Medicare counseling, in‑home services), and City of Fort Worth Community Action Partners (utilities, case management, some emergency help).
• Expect waitlists for housing vouchers and some home repairs. Apply early to multiple lists and ask for alternatives while you wait (LIHTC senior apartments, weatherization).
• Strong local anchors: Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County, Trinity Metro (senior fares and ACCESS paratransit), JPS Health Network’s JPS Connection for low‑income care, and Fort Worth Housing Solutions for housing programs.
• Keep documents ready (ID, proof of address, income, medical expenses). Use official websites, confirm current rules, and watch for scams—no one can “guarantee” benefits for a fee.
• Property tax relief (age 65+) and Medicare cost‑savers (QMB/SLMB/QI, Extra Help) can free up real money each month.

Tip: When in doubt, call 2‑1‑1. They can route you to city, county, and nonprofit programs in Fort Worth and all of Tarrant County.

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How to Use This Guide

This guide focuses on senior benefits and practical help in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. For each need—money/food, housing/repairs, healthcare, utilities, transportation, legal, and more—you’ll find what the program covers, who it helps, what’s hard, and how to apply using official links.

Reference data: Texas senior statistics (65+) come from the American Community Survey 2023 (Texas overall: 13.8% age 65+). See ACS tables on data.census.gov (search “Texas S0103”). Always confirm current program rules on the linked official pages.

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Quick‑Start Directory (Apply Here First)

Reality check: Program windows open and close. If a list is “closed” or funds are out, ask when to reapply and what backups exist (e.g., senior apartment lists, payment plans, weatherization).

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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 simpler SNAP form for households where all members are 60+ or have a disability and no one works.
• Who qualifies: Based on income, household size, and eligible immigration status. Medical expenses for those 60+ can increase your SNAP amount.
• Where to apply: Apply at SNAP Food Benefits (HHSC) and the simplified option at TSAP for Seniors. Submit via Your Texas Benefits.

Tip: Even if you think you are over income, apply. Medical deductions can change eligibility for seniors.

Meals and Groceries

• Meals delivered: Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County provides home-delivered meals and check-ins for homebound older adults. Expect waitlists; ask about frozen or shelf-stable options while you wait.
• Food pantries: Tarrant Area Food Bank lists pantries and mobile markets across Fort Worth—search by zip code.
• Senior centers: “Sixty & Better” runs senior center programs (meals, wellness) across Tarrant County. Learn more at Sixty & Better.

Limited Cash Help for Guardians Raising Children

• TANF for Kinship Caregivers: If you are a grandparent or relative raising a child, see TANF Cash Help (HHSC). This is limited and based on household circumstances.

Property Tax Savings (65+)

• Over‑65 Homestead Exemption and Tax Ceiling (school taxes): See the Texas Comptroller’s overview at Property Tax Exemptions.
• Property Tax Deferral (65+ or disabled): You may delay payment until the home is sold or you move; interest accrues. Learn more at Elderly/Disabled Exemptions and Deferrals.
• Local contact: Tarrant Appraisal District (forms and local guidance): Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD).

Reality check: Deferral isn’t forgiveness. Interest adds up over time. Consider counseling from a HUD-approved housing counselor: Find a Housing Counselor (HUD).

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Housing and Rent Help in Fort Worth

Vouchers and Public Housing

• Fort Worth Housing Solutions (FWHS): Administers Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and affordable housing in Fort Worth. Check for open waitlists and properties: Fort Worth Housing Solutions.
• Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office (TCHAO): Issues vouchers for areas outside the Fort Worth city jurisdiction within the county. See Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office.
• State and federal directories: TDHCA Section 8 and HUD PHA Contacts (Texas).

Reality check: Waitlists are often long or closed. Apply to multiple lists (including smaller nearby cities). Keep your contact info updated with each housing authority.

Affordable Apartments (No Voucher Needed)

• What it is: Apartments built with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) offer below-market rents; many are 55+ or 62+.
• Search: Use TDHCA’s statewide search and filter by “Fort Worth” and “elderly”: TDHCA Housing Resource Center.

Tip: Ask managers about income limits, current availability, and “senior set-asides.”

Section 811 Project Rental Assistance

• What it is: Rental assistance linked to long-term services for people with disabilities (including older adults with qualifying disabilities).
• Learn more: TDHCA Section 811 PRA.
• Reality: Limited properties and strict eligibility. Your AAA or local ADRC can help with referrals.

Homelessness Prevention and Shelter

• Where to start locally: Tarrant County Homeless Coalition lists access points and resources. Also call 2‑1‑1 for motel vouchers or short-term help when available.
• National tools: HUD Find Shelter.
• Veterans: Call 877‑424‑3838 (24/7) and connect with the VA at VA Homeless Programs.

Housing Programs Snapshot (Fort Worth/Tarrant)

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Home Repairs, Accessibility, and Weatherization

City of Fort Worth Programs

• Neighborhood Services (home repair hub): The City periodically offers emergency or priority repairs for low-income homeowners, often focused on health/safety (e.g., plumbing, electrical, HVAC). Funding opens and closes during the year. Start here and look for “home repair” or “priority repair”: Fort Worth Neighborhood Services.

Reality check: City funds are limited and competitive. Apply early and ask to be notified when lists reopen.

USDA Section 504 Home Repair (62+)

• What it does: Grants (for very low-income homeowners age 62+) to remove health/safety hazards; loans at low interest may also be available.
• Rules: Home must be your primary residence. Grant repayment may be required if you sell within 3 years.
• Where to apply: USDA Section 504 (Texas).

Weatherization (Free Energy-Saving Upgrades)

• What it does: Adds insulation, seals air leaks, and tunes HVAC to lower utility bills.
• Who qualifies: Income-based; seniors and people with disabilities get priority.
• Where to apply: Find your local provider via TDHCA Weatherization Assistance Program.

Nonprofit Partners

• Trinity Habitat for Humanity (serves Fort Worth/Tarrant): Some affiliates offer critical repairs, accessibility modifications, and roof/ramps projects. See Trinity Habitat for Humanity.
• Rebuilding Together North Texas: Health-and-safety repairs and aging-in-place modifications via volunteers and grants. Apply at Rebuilding Together North Texas.

Home Repair & Weatherization at a Glance

Tip: Ask if contractors are vetted and if permits are included. Keep all receipts and before/after photos.

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Healthcare and Long‑Term Care

Medicare Counseling (Free and Unbiased)

• Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County (AAATC): One-on-one help comparing Medicare options, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, Part D, and appeals. Call 817‑258‑8000 or visit AAATC.
• State resources: Learn more at Texas HHSC Medicare Information and statewide counseling via Texas Legal Services Center HICAP.

Medicaid for Seniors (MEPD) and STAR+PLUS

• What it does: Medicaid coverage for low-income seniors, including doctor, hospital, prescriptions. STAR+PLUS provides managed long-term services and supports at home or in nursing facilities for those who qualify for a nursing home level of care.
• Where to apply: Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (HHSC) via Your Texas Benefits.
• Reality: Financial and functional eligibility both matter. Expect assessments and possible waitlists for home- and community-based services. If moving from a facility to the community, ask about Money Follows the Person.

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

• What it does: All-in-one Medicare/Medicaid program (medical care, adult day health, therapies, in‑home supports, and transportation) for people who meet a nursing home level of care but can live safely in the community.
• Check availability: Use Medicare’s PACE Finder to see if PACE serves your Fort Worth zip code.

Help with Medicare Costs

• Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI): May pay Part A/B premiums and reduce cost-sharing for eligible seniors. Learn and apply via HHSC Medicare Savings Programs.
• Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy): Reduces prescription drug premiums, deductibles, and copays. Apply via Social Security—Extra Help.
• Compare plans: Use the Medicare Plan Finder each year during open enrollment.

Local Healthcare Access

• JPS Health Network (Tarrant County Hospital District): Safety-net hospitals and clinics across the county. JPS Connection offers reduced-cost care for eligible residents. Learn more at JPS Connection.
• Community Health Centers (FQHCs): Sliding-fee primary care, behavioral health, and often dental. Find nearby clinics via HRSA—Find a Health Center.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing

• Donated Dental Services (DDS) – Texas: Comprehensive dental care for seniors with disabilities or medical fragility via volunteer dentists. Apply at Dental Lifeline Network—Texas.
• Community dental: Use HRSA’s Health Center Finder to locate clinics with sliding-fee dental in Tarrant County.
• Vision/Hearing: Skills training and devices for Texans 55+ with significant vision impairment through the Older Individuals Who Are Blind Program (TWC).

Healthcare Cost Helpers (Summary)

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Transportation

Public Transit and Paratransit (Fort Worth)

• Trinity Metro: Buses, TEXRail commuter rail, and reduced fares for older adults. See reduced and senior passes at Trinity Metro Fares.
• ACCESS Paratransit (Trinity Metro): Door-to-door service for riders whose disability prevents using fixed routes. Learn eligibility and scheduling at Trinity Metro ACCESS.

Medicaid Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

• What it does: Free rides to medical appointments, dialysis, hospitals (non‑emergency), and pharmacies for Medicaid members.
• How to use: Rides are scheduled in advance; can include rideshare, taxi, or mileage reimbursement.
• Learn more: HHSC Medical Transportation Program.

Other Local Ride Options

• Catholic Charities Fort Worth (transportation assistance varies by program and funding): See Catholic Charities Fort Worth—Transportation.
• Ask your AAA about volunteer driver or mileage reimbursement programs for seniors.

Tip: Book medical rides at least two business days ahead (five days if out-of-area). For paratransit, expect an in‑person or phone evaluation.

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Utilities and Water Bill Help

Electric and Gas Bills

• CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program): Helps pay utility bills, deposits, and avoid disconnections.
  • State overview and local providers: TDHCA CEAP
  • Local intake in Fort Worth: City of Fort Worth’s Community Action Partners (CAP) serves Tarrant County residents. See Fort Worth Community Action Partners.

Tip: If you rely on electric-powered medical equipment, ask your electric provider about critical care or chronic condition protections and payment plans. Call early if you’re behind.

Weatherization (Lower Bills Long Term)

• See the Weatherization section above for free efficiency upgrades via TDHCA WAP.

Water Bill Help

• Fort Worth Water: Customer assistance options and payment plans may be available; some help is delivered through CAP. Start at Fort Worth Water Department and Community Action Partners.
• If your city water program is out of funds, ask about payment arrangements and leak repair programs, and call 2‑1‑1 for charities that offer one-time aid.

Phone and Internet

• Lifeline: Discount on phone or internet for low-income households. Check eligibility and apply at Lifeline Support.
• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): Federal funding ended in 2024. Ask your provider about their own low-cost plans for seniors.

Utility Help Options (Fort Worth/Tarrant)

Reality check: Energy assistance funds can run low in late summer. If that happens, ask when to reapply and what backups exist (budget billing, medical flags, payment plans).

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Legal Help, Consumer Protection, and Long‑Term Care Rights

• Legal aid: For civil legal issues (evictions, benefits denials, consumer debt, elder abuse protective orders), apply at Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas.
• Adult Protective Services (APS): Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation at 1‑800‑252‑5400 or online via the Texas Abuse Hotline. Program details at DFPS APS.
• Long‑Term Care Ombudsman: Free help with nursing home and assisted living issues. Contact the Texas Long‑Term Care Ombudsman.
• Consumer protection & scams: File complaints and learn about common scams at the Texas Attorney General—Consumer Protection.

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Inclusive Resources

LGBTQ+ Seniors

• Coalition for Aging LGBT (DFW-based): Housing guidance, social connection, and an LGBT‑Friendly Senior Housing Guide. See Coalition for Aging LGBT.
• General support: SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline (877‑360‑5428) and resources at SAGE.
• Tip: Ask your AAA and providers about nondiscrimination policies and staff training.

Veteran Seniors

• Tarrant County Veteran Services: Help filing VA claims and accessing benefits. See Tarrant County Veteran Services.
• Texas Veterans Commission (TVC): Claims assistance and Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grants to local nonprofits (repairs, emergency aid, mental health). Visit Texas Veterans Commission.
• VA Aid & Attendance/Housebound: Extra pension for veterans/spouses who need daily help or are homebound. Learn more at VA Aid & Attendance.
• VA Health: Geriatrics, long-term care, home-based services—see VA Geriatrics and Extended Care.

Seniors with Disabilities

• Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): One-stop for long-term services, equipment, and in-home supports. Start at Texas ADRCs.
• Centers for Independent Living (CILs): Skills training, assistive technology, and advocacy. Find Texas CILs via the ILRU Directory. Fort Worth-area CILs include REACH (check the ILRU directory for current contacts).
• Medicaid LTSS: See the Medicaid/STAR+PLUS section for home-based care options.

Tribal Resources (Texas)

Texas has three federally recognized tribes. Members may access tribal and federal programs:

• Alabama‑Coushatta Tribe of Texas: Tribal Site
• Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas: Tribal Site
• Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (Tigua): Tribal Site
• Healthcare: Indian Health Service
• Housing: HUD Office of Native American Programs (Codetalk)

Tip: Tribal elders in Fort Worth should also apply for statewide programs (SNAP, CEAP, Medicaid) via Your Texas Benefits; tribal healthcare does not block state benefits.

Rural Seniors (Limited Access)

• If you live on the edge of Tarrant County or in nearby rural counties, ask 2‑1‑1 for your Community Action Agency, rural transit provider, and mobile pantry schedules.
• Rural transit exists in every Texas county. To find providers, use TxDOT’s public transportation resources (search “public transportation provider”) or call your county transit line.
• Telehealth: Medicare and many Medicare Advantage plans cover telehealth—ask your doctor and plan if travel is hard.

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Local Contacts (Fort Worth / Tarrant County)

(Phone numbers can change; verify on each website.)

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Reality Checks, Warnings, and Tips

• Housing waitlists: Expect months or years. Apply broadly, including smaller cities in the region, and use TDHCA’s LIHTC search to find senior apartments without vouchers.
• Home repairs: City programs and nonprofits often open/close intake. Join interest lists and reapply every year.
• Medicaid HCBS: Functional criteria are strict. If denied, ask AAATC about caregiver support, respite options, or PACE (if available).
• Utilities: Summer funds may run out. Ask for payment plans, budget billing, and medical protections from your utility.
• Scams: No one can “guarantee” benefits for a fee. Use official .gov or .org links in this guide, and contact the Texas Attorney General for suspected scams.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I get on a Section 8 waitlist in Fort Worth?
   Apply through both Fort Worth Housing Solutions and the Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office. Many lists open briefly. Check monthly. Also review HUD’s PHA directory for nearby housing authorities and TDHCA’s HCV page.
2. Are there affordable senior apartments without a voucher?
   Yes. Use the state’s LIHTC search and filter for Fort Worth and 55+/62+ properties: TDHCA Housing Resource Center. Ask managers about current income limits and availability.
3. Where can I get home repairs if I own my home?
   Start with Fort Worth Neighborhood Services for city-backed repairs. Also apply to USDA Section 504 (62+), TDHCA Weatherization, Trinity Habitat, and Rebuilding Together North Texas.
4. I need help with my water or electric bill. Who do I call?
   For utilities, call Fort Worth Community Action Partners and check TDHCA CEAP. For water, contact Fort Worth Water for payment plans and assistance programs.
5. Can I get in‑home care without moving to a nursing home?
   Possibly, through Medicaid STAR+PLUS Home- and Community-Based Services if you meet medical and financial rules. Apply via HHSC MEPD. Also ask AAATC about caregiver support and PACE availability via the Medicare PACE Finder.
6. Where do I get free Medicare advice in Fort Worth?
   Call the Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County at 817‑258‑8000 or visit AAATC. Statewide help: HHSC Medicare information and TLSC HICAP.
7. Is there general cash assistance for seniors in Fort Worth?
   Texas has no broad “general assistance” cash program for seniors. Use SNAP, CEAP (utilities), property tax breaks (65+), and Medicare cost-savers to free up money. If you’re raising grandchildren, see TANF.
8. Who can help with dental care?
   Check Dental Lifeline Network—Texas and local community health centers via HRSA’s clinic finder. Ask about sliding fees.
9. How do I avoid scams while applying for help?
   Use official government sites (.gov) and trusted providers linked here. Never pay someone who promises to “guarantee” benefits. Report scams to the Texas Attorney General.
10. I’m just over the income limit. Should I still apply?
    Yes. Medical deductions can help for SNAP, and some programs use higher limits. Let the agency decide. Apply at Your Texas Benefits.

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Resources (Official and Trusted)

• Apply for Texas benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, MSP, TSAP): Your Texas Benefits
• 2‑1‑1 Texas (local help): 2‑1‑1 Texas
• Texas HHSC Aging Services: HHSC Aging
• Medicare (plans and coverage): Medicare.gov
• Social Security Extra Help: SSA—Extra Help
• Medicaid for the Elderly & People with Disabilities: HHSC MEPD
• Texas HICAP/Medicare help: HHSC Medicare info and TLSC HICAP
• TDHCA Section 8: TDHCA HCV
• HUD PHA Contacts (Texas): HUD PHA Directory
• TDHCA Housing Resource Center: Search Affordable Apartments
• TDHCA CEAP (utility help): CEAP
• TDHCA Weatherization (WAP): WAP
• USDA Section 504 Home Repair (Texas): USDA 504 (TX)
• Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County: Meals On Wheels Tarrant
• Texas APS (DFPS): Adult Protective Services
• Texas Abuse Hotline (online): Report Abuse
• Long‑Term Care Ombudsman: Texas Ombudsman Program
• Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection: Consumer Protection
• Lifeline (phone/internet): Lifeline Support
• Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas: LANWT
• HRSA—Find a Health Center: Find Clinics
• Texas Veterans Commission: TVC
• VA Aid & Attendance: Aid & Attendance
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988lifeline.org
• Eldercare Locator: Find Local Aging Services
• Texas senior statistics (ACS): U.S. Census—data.census.gov
• Fort Worth Housing Solutions: FWHS
• Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office: TCHAO
• Fort Worth Neighborhood Services (home repair hub): Neighborhood Services
• Fort Worth Community Action Partners: [CAP](https://www.fort