7 Programs To Help Senior Citizens In Texas

In this community resource guide, you will learn about 5 government assistance programs that help senior citizens in Texas.

These programs help with services like healthcare, financial assistance, and help to get food assistance. These are all important services especially if you are living on a fixed income in your retirement years.

For years, I have been actively engaged in providing the seniors of Houston’s East End neighborhood with essential support services. My work has enabled these individuals to access various resources that otherwise would not be available to them. Doing this type of work, I fully understand how difficult it can be to keep up with all the latest government assistance programs that are offered.

If you are a senior in Texas on a fixed income, continue reading, and I’ll help you to understand what support services are available to you.

1.) Medicaid

Medicaid is a program that helps low-income senior citizens in Texas access healthcare services. To qualify for Medicaid, you must have a low income or a disability. Those who qualify for Texas Medicaid can receive Medicaid services like doctor visits, hospital care, home health services, and more.

In addition, if you have Medicare, Medicaid can help pay for some out-of-pocket expenses that Medicare may not cover. One cost that Medicare does not cover, but Medicaid will is home caregivers. These are services where someone will come into your home and help you with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and other tasks.

To apply for Medicaid, you must visit the YourTexasBenefits.com website or call Texas Health and Human Services at 877.541.7905.

2.) Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed to offer health coverage to seniors 65 and older or individuals with a disability.

Those who qualify for Medicare can access medical services like hospital care, doctor visits, and more.

Typically Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of approved medical services, and you will pay the other 20% out of pocket. You can, however, purchase Medicare Supplements that will pay for the 20%.

Your Medicare will not cover prescription costs unless you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or if you purchase a Medicare Part D plan. These two options are ways to get low-cost prescription coverage if you have Medicare.

Editor’s Note: There is a lot more to explain regarding options seniors with Medicare have for purchasing medications, so if you have questions, just leave a comment below. I am a licensed Medicare Insurance agent, therefore I am extremely knowledgeable regarding Medicare and prescription drug coverage.

To apply for Medicare, you must visit the Social Security website. You can also call the Social Security phone number at 800-772-1213.

3.) Social Security – Monthly Income For Seniors

Social Security provides reliable monthly payments to American retirees, the disabled, and families who have lost a loved one. Your average income throughout your working years determines the amount of money you receive when you retire.

Social Security is one of the primary sources of income for seniors who have worked in America. If you have worked and paid taxes throughout your life in America, you can visit the Social Security website to learn more about Social Security benefits. On this website, you can check the status of your Social Security, see how much your Social Security check will be at retirement, and apply for benefits.

Call Social Security at 800.772.1213 for more information regarding Social Security benefits.

4.) Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

To qualify for an SSI check, you must be someone who cannot work, you do not have a long work history, and you have a disability. You must also be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident alien. Those who qualify for SSI checks will receive monthly payments to help with basic needs like housing, food, transportation, medical, and more.

 

Again to receive Supplemental Security Income or SSI, you need to have a disability that is preventing you from working. Examples of types of disability include physical, mental, and emotional. Things like blindness, deafness, mental health disorder, and certain types of illnesses are also considered.

You must visit the Social Security website to apply for Supplements Security Income benefits. You can also call the Social Security phone number at 800-772-1213.

5.) Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels offers seniors in Texas with a fixed income help with meals. Their programs offer home-delivered meals, nutrition programs, and much more. If you are a senior who cannot shop for yourself or cook, Meals on Wheels can deliver meals right to your front door.

In addition, Meals on Wheels offers help with referrals to other supportive services. Your Meals on Wheels driver can help you to better understand what Texas community resources are available to you or put you in touch with someone who can help you.

To qualify for Meals on Wheels in Texas, you must be low-income, 60 years old, or have a disability. To apply for Meals on Wheels, you must visit Meals on Wheels of America.

6.) Food Stamps (Texas Simplified Application Project)

Food stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food. If you qualify for Texas food stamps, you will receive a food stamp card allowing you to purchase food monthly. It works similarly to a debit or credit card.

To qualify for SNAP, you must meet certain conditions like having a certain income level, being a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, living in Texas, and not receiving any public assistance from another state.

One food stamp program that helps seniors in Texas is the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP). This is an application specifically setup for senior citizens in Texas. This is a food stamp application that makes the process of applying for food stamps in Texas easier.

You can learn more about the Texas senior citizen food stamp application here or visit the Texas Health and Human Services webpage to learn how to apply for food stamps and the qualifications. You can also call Texas Health and Human Services at 877.541.7905 to learn more about how to apply for Texas SNAP benefits.

7.) Area Agency On Aging

Area Agency on Aging programs offer programs to help senior citizens in Texas with long-term services and support. This can include programs like home health care programs, nutrition programs, transportation programs, and more.

Area Agency on Aging programs are for seniors who are 60 years or older and need assistance to remain independent. Programs offered by Area Agency on Aging vary from agency to agency, so you will need to contact your local Area Agency on Aging office to find out what programs are available in your area.

You can visit the Eldercare Locator website to find the closest Area Agency on Aging office to you. Type your zip code to see the office that helps your area. You can also call them at 800.677.1116. If you cannot find your Texas Area Agency on Aging office, leave a comment below and I will let you know who can help you.

Conclusion

I understand that applying for government assistance in Texas can be frustrating for seniors, where the process may differ from other states.

If you are a Texas senior who needs more information on applying for government assistance, please leave a comment below, and I will help you understand your options better. I have worked many years in Houston community centers and for government agencies, so I am familiar with many of these applications, and I can point you to organizations to help you apply for benefits.