Grants for Seniors in Garland

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

Last updated: December 18, 2025

Key Takeaways

• Start with safety: call 911 for emergencies; for mental health crises call or text 988; for quick referrals to food, housing, and bill help call 2‑1‑1 or visit 2‑1‑1 Texas.
• Most benefits for Garland seniors run through three places: Your Texas Benefits (state programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare Savings), your Area Agency on Aging (counseling, caregiver help, meals), and your local city/county housing and utility providers.
• Real help exists for rent (Section 8 and affordable apartments), home repairs (USDA Section 504, Weatherization), food (SNAP, Meals on Wheels), healthcare costs (Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help), utilities (CEAP), and transportation (DART and Medicaid rides).
• Expect waitlists for housing vouchers and some home repairs. Apply early to multiple lists and ask for local alternatives while you wait.
• Use official sources, keep copies of paperwork, and watch for scams. If someone wants a fee to “guarantee” benefits, it’s a red flag.

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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: Go to 988lifeline.org
• Abuse, neglect, or exploitation (including at home or in facilities): Texas Adult Protective Services (24/7) 1‑800‑252‑5400 or online at the Texas Abuse Hotline: Report at txabusehotline.org (Texas DFPS info: DFPS Adult Protective Services)
• Quick referrals to food, shelter, bill help: Dial 2‑1‑1 or visit 2‑1‑1 Texas
• Eviction or homelessness concerns: Find shelters via HUD: HUD Find Shelter. For veterans, call 877‑424‑3838 (24/7) or visit: VA Homeless Programs

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How to Use This Guide

This is a practical, step‑by‑step hub for seniors living in Garland, Texas (Dallas County, with some parts in Collin and Rockwall counties). We explain what each program does, who it helps, how to apply, and what to expect.

Tip: Create a folder (paper or digital) with:

• Photo ID and Social Security number
• Proof of address (lease, utility bill)
• Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pension) and bank statements
• Medical bills (helps with SNAP and Medicare programs)
• Rent/mortgage statement and utility bills
• VA documents (if applicable)

Note: Program details change. Always confirm at the official links provided.

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Quick‑Start Directory for Garland Seniors

Use these as “first stops” based on your need.

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

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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 simplified version for households where everyone is 60+ or has a disability and no one is working.
• Who qualifies: Income‑based; medical expense deductions can help seniors qualify.
• How to apply: Apply for SNAP at Your Texas Benefits and learn about TSAP: TSAP for SNAP in Texas

Reality check: Processing can take a few weeks. If you need food now, call 2‑1‑1 and check local pantries.

• Find food near Garland: North Texas Food Bank – Find Food

Meals on Wheels (Home‑Delivered Meals)

• What it does: Regular home‑delivered meals and wellness checks for homebound older adults.
• Where to start: Meals on Wheels Texas directory (Dallas County service is typically provided by the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas).

Reality check: There may be a waitlist. Ask about frozen meals, community dining, or telephone reassurance while you wait.

Property Tax Savings for Homeowners 65+

• Over‑65 Homestead Exemption: Lowers property taxes on your main home. Learn more: Texas Comptroller – Property Tax Exemptions
• Property Tax Deferral (65+ or disabled): Lets you delay paying property taxes until the home is sold or you move (interest accrues). Details: Texas Comptroller – Elderly/Disabled Exemptions

County appraisal districts (check your county of residence):

• Dallas CAD: Dallas Central Appraisal District
• Collin CAD: Collin Central Appraisal District
• Rockwall CAD: Rockwall Central Appraisal District

Tip: File once, keep a copy, and confirm the exemption on your tax statement.

Phone & Internet Discounts

• Lifeline (ongoing): Monthly discount on phone/internet for low‑income households. Check eligibility and apply: Lifeline Support
• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): Federal funding ended in 2024. Some providers have their own low‑cost plans; call your provider and ask about “senior” or “low‑income” plans.

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Housing and Rent Help in Garland

Section 8 Vouchers and Public Housing

• What it does: Section 8 vouchers help pay a portion of rent in private apartments; public housing offers subsidized units.
• Who qualifies: Income‑based; seniors and people with disabilities often get preference.

Where to apply:

• Find local housing authorities (including Garland and nearby cities) via HUD: HUD Public Housing Agency Contacts (Texas)
• State HCV program info: TDHCA Section 8

Reality check: Waitlists can be closed or very long. Apply to more than one housing authority, including smaller cities in the region.

Affordable Apartments (No Voucher Needed)

• What it does: Apartments built with the Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) offer below‑market rents; many are 55+ or 62+.
• Where to search: TDHCA Affordable Housing Search

Tip: Ask the manager about current income limits, any “senior set‑asides,” and how long their internal waitlist is.

Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (Disability‑Linked)

• What it does: Rental assistance linked to long‑term services for people with disabilities (including some seniors).
• Learn more: TDHCA Section 811 PRA

Reality check: Limited properties and strict eligibility. Ask your Area Agency on Aging for help with referrals.

Housing Programs at a Glance (Garland & Region)

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Home Repairs, Accessibility, and Weatherization

USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504)

• What it does: Grants (for age 62+) to remove health/safety hazards; low‑interest loans for essential repairs.
• Key rules: Home must be your primary residence; very low income; if you sell the home within three years, grant repayment may be required.
• Where to apply: USDA Section 504 Home Repair – Texas

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

• What it does: No‑cost energy upgrades (insulation, air sealing, HVAC tune‑ups) to lower utility bills.
• Who qualifies: Income‑based; seniors and people with disabilities get priority.
• Where to apply: TDHCA Weatherization Assistance Program

Nonprofits: Habitat for Humanity & Rebuilding Together

• Habitat for Humanity (local affiliates vary): Some offer critical home repairs and accessibility modifications for seniors. Find your local affiliate: Habitat for Humanity Texas – Find an Affiliate
• Rebuilding Together: Health-and-safety repairs and aging‑in‑place modifications via local affiliates (Dallas–Fort Worth area). Start here: Rebuilding Together – Apply

City/County Programs

• Many cities in Dallas County run repair programs using HUD funds (CDBG/HOME). Check the City of Garland’s Housing/Community Development pages and dial 2‑1‑1 for current openings. If the city list is closed, ask about regional nonprofits and church programs.

Home Repair & Weatherization at a Glance

Reality check: Funds are limited and may open once a year. Get on interest lists early and reapply each cycle.

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Healthcare and Long‑Term Care

Free, Unbiased Medicare Counseling (HICAP/SHIP)

• What it does: One‑on‑one help comparing Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D, handling billing errors and appeals, and spotting fraud.
• Where to get help: Texas HHSC – Medicare Information and Texas Legal Services Center – HICAP. You can also call your AAA (Dallas AAA: 214‑871‑5065).

Medicaid for the Elderly & People with Disabilities (MEPD) and STAR+PLUS

• What it does: Health coverage for low‑income seniors. STAR+PLUS may include in‑home services (Home and Community‑Based Services) if you meet nursing home level of care.
• Where to apply: Medicaid (MEPD) – Your Texas Benefits

Reality check: Both medical need and financial eligibility matter, and there can be waitlists for in‑home services. If moving from a facility back home, ask about Money Follows the Person.

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

• What it does: All‑in‑one Medicare/Medicaid program providing medical care, adult day services, and home supports for those who meet nursing home level of care but can live safely in the community.
• Where to check availability: Medicare – PACE Finder

Reality check: Service areas are limited. Transportation is included if you enroll.

Help with Medicare Costs

• Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI): Pay some or all of your Part A/B premiums and cost‑sharing if you qualify. Apply via HHSC: Medicare Help – HHSC
• Extra Help (Part D): Lowers drug plan premiums and copays. Apply through Social Security: Extra Help – Social Security
• Compare plans and medications: Medicare Plan Finder

Dental, Vision, and Hearing

• Donated Dental Services (DDS) – Texas: Volunteer dentists provide comprehensive care for eligible seniors with disabilities or medical fragility: Dental Lifeline Network – Texas
• Community Health Centers: Sliding‑fee dental, vision, and primary care via FQHCs. Search near Garland: HRSA – Find a Health Center
• Vision/Hearing (55+ with visual impairment): Older Individuals Who Are Blind – Texas Workforce Commission

Mental Health and Substance Use

• 24/7 crisis line: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Find local mental health services and crisis lines by county: Texas LMHAs/LBHAs – Find Your Local Authority

Tip: Medicare and Medicaid cover many behavioral health services. Ask your plan for in‑network providers.

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Transportation

DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)

• What it offers: Local bus and light rail (Garland has stations on the Blue Line). Seniors may qualify for reduced fares; eligible riders with disabilities can use Paratransit.
• Where to learn more: DART Official Site

Tip: Bring ID for senior discounts. For Paratransit eligibility and scheduling, see DART’s Paratransit section.

Medicaid Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

• What it does: Free rides to approved medical visits and pharmacy for Medicaid members.
• How it works: Rides may be through taxis, rideshare partners, transit, or gas reimbursement. Schedule in advance.
• Learn more: Texas HHSC – Medical Transportation Program

Tip: Book at least two business days ahead; five days if traveling out of the area.

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Utility and Water Bill Help

Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

• What it does: Helps pay electric and gas bills, deposits, and prevents disconnection for eligible households.
• Where to apply: TDHCA CEAP – Program and Local Providers

Tip: If you’re medically fragile, ask your utility about medical critical care status (with a doctor’s note) and payment plans.

Weatherization (WAP)

• See the Home Repairs section above. Weatherization can reduce bills long‑term.

Water Bill Help

• LIHWAP (federal water help) ended. Many water utilities and cities have customer assistance funds. Call your water provider or dial 2‑1‑1 for local options.

Utility Help Options (Garland & Texas)

Reality check: CEAP funds can run low late in the year. If funds are out, ask when to reapply and what backup options exist (payment plans, medical flags).

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

• Legal Aid (Dallas County): Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
• Adult Protective Services (APS) – Report abuse/neglect/exploitation: 1‑800‑252‑5400 or Texas Abuse Hotline
• Long‑Term Care Ombudsman (help with nursing homes/assisted living issues): Texas HHSC Ombudsman
• Consumer Protection & Scams: Texas Attorney General – Consumer Protection

Tip: Benefits counselors at your AAA can help with appeals and complaints.

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Inclusive Resources

LGBTQ+ Seniors

• DFW regional support: Coalition for Aging LGBT (housing guidance, inclusive providers, events)
• General support: SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline (877‑360‑5428)

Tip: Ask providers about nondiscrimination policies and LGBTQ+ cultural competence. Your AAA can help find inclusive services.

Veteran Seniors

• Claims help and local grants via: Texas Veterans Commission (TVC)
• VA pension add‑ons for care needs: VA Aid and Attendance & Housebound
• Local VA health care: VA North Texas Health Care System
• Homeless or at risk: National 24/7 line 877‑424‑3838

Seniors with Disabilities

• Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): One‑stop for long‑term services and supports: Texas ADRCs
• Centers for Independent Living (CILs): Skills training, peer support, advocacy, equipment. Find a CIL: ILRU – CIL Directory
• Medicaid long‑term services: See MEPD/STAR+PLUS in Healthcare section above.

Tribal Resources (Texas)

Texas has three federally recognized tribes. Elders may access tribal and federal programs in addition to statewide resources:

• Alabama‑Coushatta Tribe of Texas: Official Site
• Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas: Official Site
• Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (Tigua): Official Site
• Health services: Indian Health Service (IHS)
• Tribal housing programs (HUD ONAP – Southern Plains): HUD CodeTalk

Tip: Tribal health care does not block you from state programs like SNAP, CEAP, or Medicaid.

Rural Seniors (near Garland’s outer counties)

• If you live in the more rural parts of Collin or Rockwall counties, Community Action Agencies often deliver CEAP/WAP and local services. Find providers via TDHCA program pages (CEAP/WAP) or call 2‑1‑1.
• Rural transit (demand‑response rides) is available in every county; call 2‑1‑1 for your county transit provider.
• Telehealth: Medicare and many Medicare Advantage plans cover telehealth visits—ask your doctor and plan.

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Resources by Region (Garland Area)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I get on a Section 8 waitlist in Garland?

Most voucher programs are run by local housing authorities. Some have long waits or close lists. Use the HUD directory to find and monitor multiple PHAs (including Garland and nearby cities), and apply whenever lists open: HUD PHA Contacts (Texas). Also check TDHCA’s HCV info: TDHCA Section 8.

Can I get help even if I own my home?

Yes. Homeowners can apply for CEAP utility help, Weatherization (WAP), USDA Section 504 repair grants/loans (62+), and Over‑65 homestead exemptions/deferrals. See: TDHCA CEAP, TDHCA WAP, USDA Section 504 – Texas, and Texas Comptroller – Exemptions.

I’m over the income limit by a little. Should I still apply for SNAP or Medicare help?

Yes. Medical expense deductions for SNAP and slightly higher limits for Medicare Savings Programs may still qualify you. Let the agency determine eligibility. SNAP: HHSC SNAP. Medicare Savings Programs: HHSC – Medicare.

Where can I get unbiased help choosing a Medicare plan?

Texas HICAP/SHIP provides free counseling: HHSC – Medicare Information and TLSC HICAP. You can also compare plans directly at Medicare.gov.

I need in‑home help but don’t want to move to a nursing home. What are my options?

Ask about STAR+PLUS HCBS through Medicaid (if you meet both medical and financial rules). Check if PACE is available in your area. Start here: Medicaid MEPD and Medicare – PACE.

Who can help me with a denied application?

Ask for the denial in writing, the reason, and appeal steps. Your AAA can help with appeals. For Medicaid fair hearings, see Your Texas Benefits. For legal help, contact Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas.

How do I avoid scams when applying for benefits?

Do not pay fees for “guaranteed approval.” Use official sites (links above) and talk to your AAA. Report scams to the Texas Attorney General – Consumer Protection.

Is there “general cash” assistance for seniors?

Texas does not have a broad cash program for seniors. But SNAP, CEAP, property tax relief, and Medicare cost‑savers can free up money. If you’re raising grandchildren, TANF may help: HHSC – Cash Help.

What documents should I gather before I apply?

Photo ID, Social Security number, proof of address, proof of income and bank statements, medical bills, rent/mortgage statement, and utility bills. Keep copies and confirmation numbers.

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Helpful Tables: One‑Page Program Snapshots

A. Quick State & Local Benefits (Apply First)

B. Housing Options Cheat Sheet

C. Home Repair Programs Round‑Up

D. Utility Help Menu

E. Who to Call in the Garland Area

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Reality Checks, Tips, and Warnings

• Housing vouchers: Waitlists can last years. Apply to multiple PHAs (including smaller nearby cities), and look for LIHTC senior apartments as a backup.
• Home repair grants: Funding windows open and close. Get on interest lists and reapply each year. Ask churches and charities for stopgap fixes.
• Medicaid HCBS: Functional eligibility is strict. If denied, ask your AAA about other in‑home supports or PACE.
• Utilities: CEAP funds can run out in late summer. Ask for payment plans, medical critical care flags, and city funding options.
• Paperwork: Small mistakes cause delays. Double‑check signatures, dates, and income totals. Save confirmation numbers and copies.

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Official Sources and Data Notes

Texas seniors make up roughly 14% of the state. Many programs use federal poverty guidelines and other eligibility rules that change year‑to‑year. Always confirm current limits at official sites:

• Census ACS data: U.S. Census – data.census.gov (search “Texas S0103”)
• Federal Poverty Guidelines: HealthCare.gov – FPL

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Disclaimer

Program details, funding, and eligibility rules change. Always verify information with the official agency or program linked in this guide. This guide is general information and not legal, financial,