Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: April 27, 2026
Bottom line: Most “senior grants” in El Paso are help for food, utilities, rent, repairs, Medicare costs, taxes, rides, and aging services. Start with the office that fits your most urgent need, then ask for a full screening.
Contents
Urgent help if you are unsafe today
If you are in danger, call 911. If you may hurt yourself or someone else, call or text 988. If you are on the street, close to losing shelter, or need crisis help today, use El Paso Helps and ask for street outreach, shelter, food, or safety help right away.
El Paso Helps also lists safe-place support for abuse and family violence. If calling from home is not safe, use a trusted phone, library phone, clinic phone, or a safe person’s phone. Do not wait for a regular benefits appointment if you are being hurt, locked out, threatened, or left without needed medicine.
Quick starting points
| Need | Best first call | What to ask for | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Many needs at once | Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging: 915-533-0998 | Ask for benefits screening, meals, caregiver support, rides, and Medicare counseling. | Some services have waitlists. Ask for backup referrals. |
| Food | El Pasoans Fighting Hunger: 915-298-0353 | Ask about senior food boxes, pantry sites, and SNAP help. | Food box lists can fill. Ask for the nearest pantry too. |
| Electric or gas bill | Project BRAVO: 915-562-4100 | Ask for CEAP utility help and weatherization screening. | Missing papers can add weeks. |
| Rent or mortgage emergency | El Paso County General Assistance: 915-546-8150 | Ask for emergency rent, mortgage, or utility help. | Help depends on funds and proof of crisis. |
| Low-rent senior housing | HOME: 915-849-3742 | Ask about public housing, senior properties, and voucher waitlists. | Waits can be long. Apply early and keep your phone working. |
Key El Paso facts for seniors
The latest Census city data shows El Paso city had about 681,723 residents in 2024, and 14.3% were age 65 or older. It also shows median gross rent of $1,073 for 2020-2024 and a city poverty rate of 18.4%.
The latest Census county data shows El Paso County had about 877,858 residents in 2025, with 13.7% age 65 or older. Many programs serve the county, not just the city.
For a wider Texas page, use our Texas grants guide after you check the El Paso offices below. The local office is often the place that decides if money is open, if a waitlist is paused, or if papers are missing.
How to start without wasting time
Pick the most urgent bill first: Food, shelter, shutoff, medicine, or safety should come before less urgent paperwork. If you have a shutoff notice, eviction notice, or doctor’s bill, keep it in front of you when you call.
Use one local hub: Older adults age 60 and over can call the Rio Grande AAA for aging services, benefits counseling, caregiver help, and local referrals. If you also have a disability, the statewide ADRC list names the Rio Grande Aging and Disability Resource Center in El Paso and gives the toll-free ADRC line.
Ask for screening, not one program: Say, “Can you screen me for all programs I might fit?” This helps because one senior may need SNAP, Medicare Savings Program help, CEAP, a property tax exemption, and rides to appointments.
Keep copies: Use a folder, envelope, or phone photo album. Save every application, notice, denial, case number, and the name of each worker you speak with.
Food help in El Paso
SNAP and TSAP
SNAP puts money on a Lone Star Card for groceries. Texas also has TSAP, a shorter SNAP path for households where all members are age 60 or older or have a disability and no one has earned income. The state TSAP page says TSAP can provide three years of benefits at a time instead of six months for eligible households.
Who may qualify: Low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and some households with high medical costs. Texas rules count income, household size, and certain costs. Seniors should report out-of-pocket medical costs because those costs may help the case.
Where to apply: Use the state SNAP benefits page for rules and application choices. Our Texas SNAP guide explains TSAP, senior medical deductions, and what proof to gather before applying.
Reality check: SNAP is not instant for most people. If you are out of food today, use a pantry while the SNAP case is pending.
Senior food boxes and pantries
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger is the main regional food bank. Its senior food boxes page says the Commodity Supplemental Food Program gives free monthly shelf-stable food boxes to eligible adults age 60 and older with limited income.
Who may qualify: Adults 60 and over who meet income rules for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Ask the food bank what proof is needed when you call.
Where to apply: Call El Pasoans Fighting Hunger at 915-298-0353 or ask about pantry sites, delivery limits, and the closest pickup option. Their food programs page also notes home delivery for some homebound seniors, but lists can be full.
Reality check: A food box is usually monthly, not daily meals. If you cannot cook or leave home, ask the Area Agency on Aging about meal programs and short-term food options.
Utility, cooling, and weatherization help
Project BRAVO utility help
Project BRAVO is El Paso County’s community action agency. Its application page says a disconnect notice is not required for gas or electric help. It also says missing papers, missing information, or missing signatures can delay processing by another two to four weeks.
What it helps with: Gas and electric bills, energy case management, and related help when funds are open. Texas calls this type of energy help CEAP. The state CEAP page says CEAP helps low-income households meet immediate energy needs and lower future energy costs through education.
Who may qualify: Low-income households in El Paso County. Seniors, people with disabilities, and households with high energy use should ask to be screened.
Where to apply: Call Project BRAVO at 915-562-4100. Its center locations page lists offices in Central, Northeast/Westside, Eastside, and Ysleta.
Reality check: Do not wait for a shutoff notice. Apply when the bill becomes hard to pay, and answer calls or emails quickly.
Weatherization and home energy repairs
Project BRAVO’s weatherization program says weatherization can include insulation, weatherstripping, and replacement of certain inefficient appliances such as furnaces and refrigerators. It is meant to lower utility costs and make the home safer and more efficient.
Who may qualify: Low-income homeowners or renters, depending on program rules and landlord permission. Seniors with high bills, weak heating or cooling, or unsafe energy use should ask.
Reality check: Weatherization is not a fast bill payment. It may require home checks, landlord forms, and contractor scheduling.
For broader bill help choices, our utility bill help page can help you compare LIHEAP, discounts, shutoff rights, and local agencies.
Rent, housing, and home repair help
Emergency rent, mortgage, and utility help
El Paso County General Assistance says it meets emergency rent or mortgage payment needs, provides emergency utility help, and helps with dignified disposition of remains through the pauper burial program. Call El Paso County General Assistance at 915-546-8150 if a rent, mortgage, or utility crisis could cause loss of housing.
Who may qualify: El Paso County residents who meet income, residency, and crisis rules. The office will ask for proof.
Where to apply: Call 915-546-8150 and ask for current intake steps. If you received a court notice, ask if they need a copy the same day.
Reality check: This is emergency help, not long-term rent support. If rent will stay too high, apply for subsidized housing too.
Public housing and senior apartments
Housing Opportunity Management Enterprises, also called HOME, is El Paso’s public housing authority. Its senior housing page says HOME has housing options for people age 62 and older and about 1,800 units for seniors, including high-rise communities and Paisano Green Community.
Who may qualify: Low-income older adults, people with disabilities, and families that meet public housing or voucher rules.
Where to apply: The HOME waitlist application page says voucher and project-based voucher applicants must submit a pre-application online and need a valid email address and phone number.
Reality check: Affordable housing can take years. Our Texas apartment guide covers ways to search while you wait.
Home repairs for older homeowners
The City of El Paso Housing Programs flyer says its Home Renovation Program offers 0% loans up to $65,000, with special loan structure for seniors age 62 and older and people with disabilities. The same housing programs flyer also lists extra help for accessibility, lead, asbestos, mold, historic compliance, and relocation when rules are met.
Who may qualify: The flyer says the home must be in El Paso city limits, owned and occupied for at least three years, and in repairable condition. Income and home value rules apply and may change.
Where to apply: Call the City housing programs office at 915-212-0139 and ask if the repair program is taking applications.
Reality check: This is not quick cash. It may be a loan, deferred loan, or forgivable help with rules. Our home repair grants page explains why “free repair money” often has liens, inspections, or owner-occupancy rules.
Health, dental, and Medicare help
Medicaid and Medicare cost help
Texas Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities may help some seniors and adults with disabilities who need health coverage or long-term care. The state MEPD page is the best place to confirm current rules before applying.
Medicare Savings Programs can help some Medicare members pay premiums and other costs. Texas HHS says the MSP programs help Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources pay all or some out-of-pocket Medicare costs.
Where to apply: Use the state forms listed by HHS or call the Area Agency on Aging for benefits counseling. Our Texas MSP guide explains QMB, SLMB, QI, and how these programs may connect with Extra Help.
Reality check: A denial may be caused by missing proof, not because you can never qualify. Ask what proof is missing and how to appeal.
Clinics and low-cost dental care
La Fe says it offers affordable health care for all ages through a county-wide clinic network. Its La Fe clinics page lists health care and community health services, while the Central Clinic page notes pharmacy support and walk-in patients.
Project Vida Health Center lists community health services in El Paso and gives its main phone as 915-465-1191. Ask about sliding-fee care, documents, accepted insurance, dental appointments, and pharmacy support before you go.
Who may qualify: Uninsured or underinsured seniors, people with Medicare gaps, and low-income residents may be able to use community health centers. Rules and fees vary by clinic.
Reality check: Low-cost does not always mean free. Ask for the fee before the visit. For more dental choices, use our Texas dental help page after calling local clinics.
Medicare counseling
Texas HICAP is the state Medicare counseling program. The national SHIP site lists Texas HICAP and the 1-800-252-9240 number on its Texas SHIP page for one-on-one Medicare help.
Reality check: Do not sign up for a plan only because of a TV ad, mailer, or sales call. Ask HICAP or the Area Agency on Aging to compare your doctors, drugs, pharmacy, and expected costs.
Property tax and money help
Over-65 homestead relief
Texas homeowners age 65 or older may qualify for extra homestead tax relief. The Texas Comptroller’s tax exemptions page explains state homestead exemptions, and El Paso homeowners can use the EPCAD forms page for local filing.
Who may qualify: Homeowners who own and live in the home as their residence homestead. Age 65 or older and disability rules may add more help.
Where to apply: File with the El Paso Central Appraisal District, not the IRS. Our Texas tax relief page explains the over-65 exemption, tax ceiling, late filing rules, and deferrals in plain terms.
Reality check: A property tax deferral can stop collection while you qualify, but it is not forgiveness. Taxes and interest can come due later.
Caregiver and family money issues
If you care for a spouse, parent, or grandchild, ask the Area Agency on Aging about respite, caregiver support, and benefits screening. If you are raising a grandchild, our Texas grandparent guide explains kinship care, TANF, and support paths.
Reality check: Texas does not pay every family caregiver. Some help goes through Medicaid, VA benefits, respite programs, or care plans. Ask for a written list of programs you were screened for.
Rides, senior centers, and staying connected
Reduced fare and paratransit
Sun Metro says adults age 65 and older can qualify for reduced fare with proof of age. Call Sun Metro before you go so you know what ID to bring.
If a disability keeps you from using regular buses, Sun Metro LIFT may help. Sun Metro says LIFT provides origin-to-destination, curb-to-curb ADA paratransit for eligible clients.
Project Amistad also offers transportation for older adults and people with disabilities. Its mobility program page lists approved destinations such as doctor visits, dialysis, pharmacies, grocery stores, and shopping centers.
Reality check: Rides may need advance booking. Ask if you can bring an attendant, how cancellations work, and what happens if a medical visit runs late.
Senior centers
The City of El Paso lists senior centers, phone numbers, and transit routes on its senior centers page. Senior centers can be a practical way to find meals, exercise, classes, social time, and local notices.
Our Texas senior centers page can help you compare what to ask before you visit a center.
Documents to gather before you apply
| Document | Why it matters | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Most programs need proof of who you are. | Use a state ID, driver license, passport, or other accepted ID. |
| Proof of address | Local programs must confirm you live in the service area. | Use a lease, utility bill, mail, or benefit letter. |
| Income proof | Many programs have income limits. | Gather Social Security, pension, wages, VA, and bank statements. |
| Current bill or notice | Utility, rent, mortgage, and medical programs need the exact amount owed. | Do not send only a screenshot if the program asks for the full bill. |
| Medical cost proof | SNAP, Medicare help, and Medicaid cases may use medical costs. | Save pharmacy receipts, premiums, copays, dental bills, and ride costs. |
| Home papers | Repair and property tax programs need ownership proof. | Keep deed, tax bill, insurance, and mortgage papers together. |
Phone scripts you can use
For Project BRAVO utility help: “Hello, my name is _____. I am an older adult in El Paso County. I am having trouble paying my gas or electric bill. Can you screen me for CEAP, weatherization, and any cooling or heating repair help? What papers do I need, and how do I send them?”
For County General Assistance: “Hello, I need emergency help with rent, mortgage, or utilities. My due date is _____. I live in El Paso County. Can you tell me if funds are open, what proof you need, and whether I should apply online or in person?”
For HOME housing: “Hello, I am 62 or older and need affordable housing. Can you tell me which senior properties or waitlists are open, how to apply, and how to keep my application active if my phone or address changes?”
For the Area Agency on Aging: “Hello, I am age 60 or older and need help with benefits. Can you screen me for meals, rides, caregiver support, Medicare counseling, and programs that can lower my monthly bills?”
Local resource table
| Resource | Use it for | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging | Benefits screening, meals, caregiver help, aging services | 915-533-0998 |
| Project BRAVO | Utility help, weatherization, energy referrals | 915-562-4100 |
| El Paso County General Assistance | Emergency rent, mortgage, utility help | 915-546-8150 |
| HOME | Public housing, vouchers, senior housing | 915-849-3742 |
| El Pasoans Fighting Hunger | Food boxes, pantry help, food referrals | 915-298-0353 |
| Sun Metro LIFT | ADA paratransit | 915-212-5438 |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for a shutoff notice before asking for utility help.
- Applying for only one program when several may fit.
- Missing calls from an agency after you apply.
- Sending an application without signatures or proof.
- Assuming a repair “grant” has no lien, loan, inspection, or stay-in-home rule.
- Changing your phone number without updating housing waitlists.
- Not reporting medical costs on a SNAP or Medicaid case.
- Paying anyone who promises guaranteed grant money.
What to do if you are denied, delayed, or overwhelmed
Ask for the reason in writing: A short denial notice may say missing proof, income over limit, not in service area, or funds closed. Each reason has a different next step.
Ask about appeal rights: SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare plan issues, public housing, and some other programs may have appeal deadlines. Do not miss the date while trying to collect more papers.
Call a helper: Texas HHS says Aging and Disability Resource Centers help people find long-term services and support. If the case is legal, housing-related, or about public benefits, the Texas Law Help TRLA directory lists Texas RioGrande Legal Aid and its statewide intake line.
Use a backup: If CEAP funds are closed, ask about El Paso Electric discount programs, church pantries, County General Assistance, and 211 referrals. If HOME housing will take too long, ask about senior apartment lists, tax credit properties, and shared housing options.
Resumen en español
La ayuda para personas mayores en El Paso suele ser para comida, renta, luz o gas, reparaciones, Medicaid, Medicare, impuestos, transporte y servicios locales.
Para peligro inmediato, llame al 911. Para crisis de salud mental, llame o mande texto al 988. Para servicios de adultos mayores, llame a Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging al 915-533-0998. Para luz o gas, llame a Project BRAVO al 915-562-4100.
Tenga listos identificación, domicilio, ingresos, facturas, avisos, renta, gastos médicos y cartas de beneficios. Si le niegan ayuda, pida la razón por escrito.
FAQs
Are there real grants for seniors in El Paso?
Yes, but most help is tied to a need such as food, utilities, housing, repairs, Medicare costs, or transportation. It is usually not a free check for any purpose.
Where should an El Paso senior start first?
If the need is not an emergency, start with the Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging at 915-533-0998. If the problem is a shutoff, rent crisis, or no food, call the program that fits that need first.
Can Project BRAVO help without a disconnect notice?
Project BRAVO says a disconnect notice is not required for gas or electric help. Apply as soon as you are in financial hardship, because missing papers can slow the case.
Does El Paso have senior housing?
Yes. HOME says it offers housing options for people age 62 and older, including senior units. Waitlists can be long, so apply early and keep your contact details current.
Can seniors get help with property taxes in El Paso?
Many Texas homeowners age 65 or older may qualify for extra homestead tax relief. Apply with the El Paso Central Appraisal District and confirm current rules before deadlines.
What if I speak Spanish?
Many El Paso offices can help in Spanish or can connect you with Spanish-speaking staff. Ask for Spanish help at the start of the call: “Necesito ayuda en español, por favor.”
About this guide
We check this guide against official government, local agency, and trusted nonprofit sources. GrantsForSeniors.org is independent and is not a government agency.
Program rules, funding, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply.
See something wrong or outdated? Email info@grantsforseniors.org with the page title.
Page dates
Last updated: April 27, 2026
Next review: 1 August 2026
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