Grants for Seniors in Texas
Help for Seniors in Texas – 34 Assistance Programs
Texas has the highest population growth rates compared to other states because of its growing job market and affordable cost of living. There are various social and outdoor activities for seniors, especially in Houston and Dallas. Since it is a very senior-friendly state, its popularity is getting high among the elderly. The weather is mostly nice and warm. Yet, some seniors may look for help to get decent living standards. Thus, the State of Texas, the federal government, and the local society establishments have different programs and services for senior residents.
Financial Assistance
Texas Financial Assistance was created and has been managed by the State of Texas for residents in emergency financial assistance. Seniors who need cash support to purchase food, healthcare, or other housing items are eligible to apply for this benefit. For more information, please follow the link https://hhs.texas.gov/services/financial or get in touch with 1 800 925 9126.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Texas is a federally financed program for families who go through a rough patch. Seniors who live with their spouses or other family members can benefit from this assistance. This monetary aid can be used for buying groceries, paying bills, housing expenses, and rent. To read more, please click the link https://hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/cash or call 1 877 541 7905.
Housing and Rent Assistance
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program in Texas has been formed and subsidized by the federal authorities for low and middle-income families and individuals. This rent assistance program prioritizes seniors who are about to lose their homes or who are at risk of becoming homeless. Even though the amount of the money can differ based on each case, the program approximately covers 75 percent of the rent. The rest will be paid by the beneficiaries and they are able to choose the house, apartment, and flat. For further information and apply, please go to https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/section-8/ or make a phone call at 800 955 2232.
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program in Texas was founded by the State of Texas and has been supported both by the local people and the state. This is the largest low-cost rental housing service for people in need across the region. Older citizens who are struggling financially are encouraged to apply for this program. It provides a good amount of discount on rent payments depending on the applicant’s economic condition. To learn more, please visit https://law.utexas.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/06/2018-ECDC-LIH-TaxCreditProg-TX.pdf or contact the toll-free line 888 638 3555.
The Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA): Administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), PRA is dedicated to proving housing support to low-income seniors linked with long-term services. The program is a result of a partnership with TDHCA, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and qualified multifamily properties. The program creates the opportunity for seniors and those with a disability to live independently in their homes by availing of voluntary services and offering a couple of rental housing options. This program is not available everywhere in the state. Find out where the program is available.
The Texas Agency on Aging Centers were constituted and has been run by the Texas Health and Human Services throughout the state. This division was specifically designed for low and moderate-income people who are 60 years of age or older. Apart from providing housing, rental, and health assistance, it offers to help with many things such as counseling, legal assistance, personal caregiver support, nutrition services, and food support. Explore more opportunities through the following link https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/long-term-care-providers/area-agencies-aging-aaa# or dial 254 770 2330.
Home Repair Grants
Aside from housing and rent assistance, senior citizens can also get help with home repair, improvement, and rehabilitation. For more information, see Home Repair Grants for Seniors.
USDA’s Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Texas: Also known as Section 504 Home Repair program, this program offers up to $10,000 in home repair grants designed to help senior homeowners deal with health and safety hazards in their homes. To qualify for the program assistance, seniors must be at least 62, provide homeownership proof and occupy the house, be unable to get affordable credit elsewhere, and meet low-income limits in Texas. The grants are not repaid unless the senior homeowner sells or changes the ownership of the property within three years of receiving the financial support. visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/tx for more details.
Habitat for Humanity Texas: Habitat for Humanity Texas offers construction and home repair services to low-income older adults in need of emergency home improvement needs. The goal is to help seniors age well in place by getting rid of health and safety hazards in their homes. The organization work with local partners to offer seniors affordable housing and home repair services. Texas has Habitat for Humanity affiliates spread throughout the state. Read more about the program at https://habitattexas.org/find-your-local-affiliate/.
Healthcare Assistance
Texas Long-Term Care for Seniors is a health assistance service for seniors who are not able to look after themselves at their homes and need a personal caregiver. Persons who are 60 years of age and above are eligible for this program. Some of their services include bathing, housekeeping, dressing, preparing hot and cold meals, and more. Seniors who live at their homes or in a nursing home are both qualified for this health service. Find out more information at https://hhs.texas.gov/services/aging/long-term-care or give a call to the service at 512 424 6500.
Texas Medicare was formed and has been led by the Texas Health and Human Services for people needing counseling, health information, and advocacy programs. Seniors who need medical information and do not know where to consult are encouraged to look for this program. It searches for the best health option and necessary information for people. Read more at https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicare or by phone at 800 252 9240.
Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program: This program was created to provide the necessary support through information, counseling, and helping Medicare senior beneficiaries. Through the program, older adults can successfully enroll in the program and find all the information they need about their options, allowing them to make the right choice, depending on their needs and circumstances. The program was established as a result of a partnership between the Texas Legal Services Center and the Texas Health and Human Services System. Area Agencies on Aging are responsible for training and overseeing the work of certified counselors throughout the state. Under the program, services include:
- Information and education on Medicaid and Medicare programs.
- Support with eligibility, enrolment process, benefits, and rights to Medicare’s original plan.
- Inform seniors about the benefits of the Medicare Supplemental insurance policy.
- Provide information and help with the enrollment process for the Medicare Advantage (Part C).
- Explain to seniors about Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) insurance coverage.
- Help with long-term care insurance services.
Through this partnership, older adults will get all the support they need. The certified counselors are trained to help seniors understand all the healthcare options they have, and find one that perfectly works for them. they act as older adults’ advocates to help them get the services they need. Find out more at https://www.tlsc.org/hicap.
Medicare Savings Programs: The purpose of these programs is to help older Texans pay for all or part of their Medicare monthly payments, co-pays, and deductibles.
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): QMB helps senior Medicare beneficiaries pay for their Part A and Part B premiums, coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments. Income limits include up to $1,113 for an individual applicant and $1,526 for a senior couple. Resource limits range between $7,970 and $11,960.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB): For this program, senior applicants must be entitled to Medicare Part A. Other eligibility requirements include, not being Medicaid beneficiaries, income limits for an individual applicant should range between $1,133.01 and $1,359. Senior couples should have incomes ranging from $1,526.01 and $1,831. Resource limits range between $7,970 and $11,960.
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals Program (QDWI): Applicants must be entitled to Medicare Part A, meet age limits, be at least 65, and not receive Medicaid benefits. Income and resource limits for individual senior applicants are $2,265 and $4,000, respectively. Senior Couple’s income and resource limits are $3,052 and $6,000, respectively.
- Low-Income Subsidy: Also known as the Extra Help program, Low-Income Subsidy is offered under the Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D), and is dedicated to helping low-income older adults with their prescription medicines costs.
More information is available at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicare.
Medicaid for the Elderly & People with Disabilities: The MEPD program is dedicated to providing medical coverage for seniors and older adults with disabilities who don’t have health insurance. To qualify for the program assistance, the elderly Texans must provide proof of state residency and U.S. citizenship or qualified non-citizen. Factors such as income, age, and disability status are all put into consideration when determining eligibility. Heal services covered under MEPD are:
- Regular medical checkups.
- Medicine and vaccines.
- X-rays and lab tests
- Vision and hearing services.
- Mental healthcare services.
- Special health needs.
Senior and older adults with disabilities may also qualify for long-term care support services:
- Personal and home care, like assigning caregivers and healthcare professionals to look after eligible seniors.
- Nursing home care services.
- Mental health services.
- Caring for seniors with intellectual disabilities in a safe setting.
For more details, please visit https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaid-chip-programs-services/programs-children-adults-disabilities/medicaid-elderly-people-disabilities.
Good Food Good Move Texas is a special well-being fitness program for seniors. It promotes healthy eating and moving more to get healthier. It presents various training, social activities, and webinars to encourage and educate people. There are several physical activity programs across the state. To join and learn more, please go to https://goodfoodgoodmove.yourtexasbenefits.com/ or make connections with 1 877 541 7905.
Oral health continuously decline day by day. Along with overall health, oral health should not be ignored even for seniors with low-income or incapable of paying. Visit Dental Grants in Texas to learn how seniors can avail grants for dental services.
Utility Bills Assistance
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): CEAP is dedicated to helping low-income older adults meet their immediate home energy bills and encourage them to control their energy costs in the future by educating them on how to become responsible. The program helps eligible low-income seniors with their heating or cooling costs, settling up to six-digit arrears for households considered vulnerable. To qualify for the program support, older adults must be residents of Texas. Program participants of SSI or Means Tested Veterans program payments are automatically eligible for the program assistance. One must also meet low-income requirements. Learn more about the program at https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1579.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): The purpose of LIHWAP is to help low-income senior homeowners with their water bills. The program does not offer direct grants to eligible low-income older adults. They work with nonprofits and government agencies that then deliver the services to qualified older adults. Please find more details at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/lihwap.
Austin Energy is a local electricity firm that provides discounts on people’s utility bills. It has two programs which are Financial Support Plus 1 and Customer Assistance Discount Program. Elder citizens who are having difficulties paying their utility bills may apply to these programs. Although it roughly offers $54 monthly discounts on the applicants’ bills, this amount can change based on the applicant’s current financial situation. Further information can be accessed by clicking on the following link https://austinenergy.com/ae/ or contact 512 494 9400.
Central Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a local utility company that offers an Operation Round-Up Program for their low-income customers or for customers who are having temporary problems paying their rent. People who are already a receiver of Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are automatically qualified for this benefit. This company also offers cash assistance for people who need help paying their rent, medical bills, and more. For further information, please visit https://www.ctec.coop/ or by phone at 830 997 2126.
There are other programs available nationwide to support seniors with utility bills. More options can be found at Help with Bills.
Food Assistance
Texas Food Bank Network Provider is also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Texas. This food assistance benefit is provided by the Texas Department of Human Services for older citizens who require healthy and nutritious food. Eligible candidates will be receiving debit cards that they can use to buy groceries at local supermarkets and retailers. To learn more, please follow the link https://hhs.texas.gov/services/food/texas-food-bank-network-provider or dial this number 737 867 7700.
The Texas Food Assistance and Nutrition Program were constituted for senior residents by the federal government. Persons who are 60 years old or older and who are not able to purchase nutritious food according to their diet are eligible for this meal support program. It provides home-delivered daily hot, cold, and frozen meals. To get more information, please visit https://hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits or dial 877 839 6325.
- Grants for Seniors in Portland
- Grants for Seniors in Alaska
- 30 Best Apps for Seniors
- Senior Centers in Illinois
- How to Keep Your House Clean
- Housing Assistance for Seniors in California
- Hands Free Crutches for Seniors
- 55+ Retirement Communities
- Exploring Senior Demographics of Wisconsin
- Grants for Seniors in Oregon
Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP) for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): The purpose of the TSAP program is to provide SNAP benefits to households where all members are either living with disabilities or are 60+. The level of assistance is based on income and the size of the household. No household member should have an earned income, meaning no one should be working in the household. Read more about the program at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits/texas-simplified-application-project-tsap-snap-food-benefits.
Many financial eligibility requirements for assistance programs are based on federal poverty levels. See Federal Poverty Calculator for annual and monthly numbers.
The biggest cities of Texas like Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston, Irving and San Antonio have many programs for seniors.
Transportation Assistance for Seniors
Being unable to afford transportation services can make the lives of seniors difficult. Fortunately, there are programs and services designed to help seniors get their medical appointments, and shopping centers, pick up their prescription drugs or have access to socialization opportunities.
Medical Transportation Program: Medicaid beneficiaries can have access to non-emergency medical transportation services, including free rides to doctors’ offices, dentist’s offices, hospitals, pick prescription medication, or any other transportation needs to acquire healthcare services. These services are offered through taxis, public transportation, or commercial transit services. Other services may include funding for gas access and payment of transportation services to a neighboring state, including Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico. Only Medicaid beneficiaries and participants of the Transportation for the Indigent Cancer Patients can have access to these services. It is important to book an appointment with a doctor or healthcare provider and then call at least two business days in advance. Those outside the country should call at least five business days before their appointment day to get free rides to their destinations. The calls can only be made on weekdays between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm local time. More information is available at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaid-chip-members/medical-transportation-program.
Assistance for Seniors by Charities and Nonprofits
Care & Prepare: The mission of Care & Prepare is to stimulate the end of life conservations through education. They mainly work under ”Let’s Talk,” their core program. Read more at https://www.careandprepare.org/giving.html.
Coalition for Aging LGBT: The mission of this organization is to enhance the quality of life among senior members of the LGBT community. Their focus is on housing, advocacy, financial security, healthy, and social services. The organization’s program development involves events that reduce social isolation and offering training to retirement communities under the LGBT-Friendly Senior Housing Guide. Read more at http://www.cfa.lgbt/.
For Love & Art (FL&A): The goal of this organization is to improve the art experience among seniors with limited mobility while encouraging caregivers to show love in creative ways. FLA operates under one core program, Celebrating the Art Experience, dedicated to enhancing psychosocial, cognitive, and spiritual. And the physical quality of life among older adults. Learn more about the program at https://www.forloveandart.org/.
Good Samaritan Society: Good Samaritan’s mission is to share God’s love by offering health and healing services to older adults. The organization’s programs include a benevolent care fund, designed to support older adults who’ve outlived their incomes, and a wellness program committed to enhancing the physical health of seniors through exercises. More details are available at https://www.good-sam.com/.
Guardian Services, Inc (GSI): GSI is dedicated to offering services and support to older adults at risk in Tarrant County through guardianship management, a money management program, and financial exploitation prevention program. More information is available at https://www.guardianshipservices.org/.
Hearts for Homes (H4H): The goal of H4H is to enhance the living conditions among low-income older adults who must meet the age limitation (at least 60) to qualify for assistance. Services include free home repair services, case management, and Christmas Baskets. Christmas Baskets have non-perishable food items and durable goods to take seniors through holiday celebrations. More information is available at https://www.heartsforhomes.org/.
Assistance for Senior Veterans
Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) Grant Program: The purpose of this program is to fund eligible charitable organizations, local government agencies, and Veterans Service Organizations dedicated to offering direct services and programs to senior veterans and their loved ones. Grant-funded services can include clinical counseling, employment support, financial support, home repairs, homeless veterans support, referral services, transportation programs and services, and Veteran Treatment Courts. https://www.tvc.texas.gov/grants/ provides more details.
Texas Veterans + Family Alliance (TV+FA) Grant Program: The purpose of this program is to enhance the quality of life of senior veterans in Texas as well as their loved ones. The goal of the program is to increase access to and improve the availability of mental health services and treatments. Services can include:
- Evidence-based therapies and treatments.
- Peer support services.
- Counseling services.
- Suicide prevention programs.
- Housing, financial, and transportation services.
- Case management and referral services.
More information is available at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-substance-use-resources/texas-veterans-family-alliance-grant-program.
VA Benefits for Senior Veterans: The federal government runs town programs to provide additional support to senior veterans, including:
- Aid and Attendance (A&A): offers increased monthly pension for seniors in need of assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), who are bedridden, and are residents of nursing home care facilities.
- Housebound: Designed to offer increased pensions to older adults confined in their homes because of permanent disabilities.
Learn more at https://benefits.va.gov/pension/aid_attendance_housebound.asp.
VA Health Care Support for Senior Veterans: VA runs a program to provide healthcare support to senior veterans, including geriatrics programs, long-term care services, home-based and community services, nursing home, and residential care services, and geriatrics research. More details are available at https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-elderly.asp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What financial assistance programs are available for seniors in Texas? Texas offers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for seniors, as well as utility assistance through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
2. How can seniors access affordable healthcare in Texas? The Texas Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program (HICAP) provides free counseling to seniors on Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurance options. The Texas Prescription Program helps seniors afford medications.
3. Are there transportation services for seniors in Texas? Many counties in Texas offer transportation services for seniors through local Area Agencies on Aging. These services typically include rides to medical appointments and senior centers.
4. What housing assistance is available for seniors in Texas? The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) provides rental assistance and affordable housing options for seniors through programs like the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program.
5. Can seniors in Texas get help with legal issues? Legal Aid for Texas Seniors offers free legal assistance on matters such as estate planning, consumer issues, and elder abuse.
6. What in-home care services are available for seniors in Texas? The Community Care for Aged/Disabled (CCAD) program offers services such as personal care, home modifications, and emergency response systems to help seniors live independently.
7. How does Texas address senior nutrition needs? The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Texans Feeding Texans program includes the Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program, providing meals to homebound seniors.
8. What are some social and recreational opportunities for seniors in Texas? Local senior centers and parks and recreation departments across Texas offer a variety of programs, including fitness classes, social events, and educational workshops.
9. How are seniors protected from abuse in Texas? The Texas Adult Protective Services (APS) program investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors and provides services to ensure their safety and well-being.
10. Does Texas offer any property tax relief for seniors? Texas provides several property tax exemptions for seniors, including the Over-65 Homestead Exemption, which offers significant savings on property taxes for homeowners aged 65 and older.