Senior benefits in Bandera County, Texas

Bandera County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework. Direct county-administered aid is limited; emergency needs are addressed through: (1) CCSCT for CEAP utility assistance (830-379-9415); (2) AACOG Alamo Area AAA for senior services (866-231-4922); (3) Bandera County CIHCP for healthcare (830-796-3786); (4) faith-based partners (Catholic Charities of San Antonio archdiocese, Salvation Army, churches). Dial 211 for general emergency aid referrals.

$100–$1,800/yr

Bandera County's CEAP is delivered through Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit CAA serving 26 South-Central and West Texas counties. CCSCT also delivers LIHWAP (Low Income Water Assistance Program) — distinctive coverage of WATER bill assistance in addition to electric, natural gas, and propane. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Priority is given to vulnerable individuals 60 years and over, persons with disabilities, and families with children 5 and under. Apply at ccsct.org. The Seguin office at 1908 N. Hwy 123 Bypass, Seguin TX 78155 is the headquarters.

$200–$1,800/yr

The Bandera County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income Bandera County residents who don't qualify for other state or federal healthcare programs. Eligibility typically requires: Bandera County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level (the Texas statutory minimum); not eligible for or receiving Medicaid. CIHCP services typically cover physician services, lab and x-ray, three prescriptions per month, and inpatient and outpatient hospital services through participating providers. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Bandera-area residents typically access Kerr (Peterson Health) or San Antonio hospitals. For Bandera residents above 21% FPL, the dominant hospital's own Patient Financial Assistance Program (typically at 200% FPL) is the broader pathway. Apply by calling Bandera County at 830-796-3786.

$1,200–$22,000/yr

In this county: The 21% FPL gate is the Texas statutory minimum — extremely strict. Only Bandera residents at or near SSI income levels qualify for full CIHCP. Bandera-area residents typically access Kerr (Peterson Health) or San Antonio hospitals is the practical hospital partner. Some Bandera-area hospitals may operate their own broader financial assistance programs (typically at 200% FPL) — call the hospital billing office directly.

AACOG operates TWO distinct AAAs: (1) the Bexar AAA serving Bexar County only (tx.bexar.bexar_aaa_aacog); (2) the Alamo Area AAA serving the 12 surrounding rural counties (Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, McMullen, Medina, Wilson). The Alamo Area AAA serves Bandera County under the Older Americans Act Title III with congregate meals at local senior centers, Home-Delivered Meals for homebound seniors age 60+, Information Referral and Assistance, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare counseling), Care Coordination, Caregiver Support including respite, In-Home Support, and ADRC services. Apply by calling the AACOG Alamo Region line at 1-866-231-4922 or the Statewide Texas AAA line at 855-937-2372.

$1,200–$4,500/yr

Alamo Regional Transit (ART) is the AACOG-operated demand-response public transit serving Bandera County and 11 other AACOG counties surrounding Bexar (San Antonio). ART's Senior Transportation Program is distinctive: rides are typically OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE to seniors who no longer drive, taking them from home to grocery stores, medical appointments, bill payment, senior centers for lunch and activities, and social visits. General-public fares are tiered based on distance — typical ranges include $4 round-trip within a single town (like Kerrville), $16 to a neighboring town (Kerrville to Fredericksburg), and $24 for longer trips into San Antonio. Advance reservations are required. Bandera residents call the AACOG reservation center at 210-870-4989 or 866-889-7433 (M-F 7am-6pm) to schedule. Email: mobility@aacog.gov. ART is the only public transit option in most parts of Bandera.

$300–$2,400/yr