Senior benefits in Bell County, Texas
Seniors living in Bell County, Texas have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, energy costs, transportation, food, and more. The Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas (AAACT), based in Belton, is the local starting point for older adults and caregivers looking for guidance on available services. Bell County residents may also qualify for the Bell County Indigent Health Care Program, energy bill help through Hill Country Community Action Association (HCCAA) CEAP Energy Assistance, and rides through Hill Country Transit District (The HOP), which offers both fixed-route and demand-response service in the area. State programs such as Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled, Texas STAR+PLUS, and the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption may provide additional support. Dozens of federal programs apply here as well. Each listing on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified. The administering agency always makes the final decision on eligibility.
5
Local programs
12
Texas programs
25
Federal programs
15
Categories
Local starting point
Central Texas Council of Governments (CTCOG) — designated AAA under OAA Title III for the 7-county Central Texas region (Bell, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, Mills, San Saba); headquartered in Belton
254-770-2330
See which of these Bell County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Bell County benefits checklist — free to hand out.
When benefit rules change, it’s tracked here
Income limits, new requirements, how to apply — see what’s changed across senior benefit programs, from the official source in plain English.
Programs run in Bell County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Bell County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.
Bell County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyBell County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) HCCAA for CEAP utility (325-372-5167); (2) AAACT for senior services (254-770-2330); (3) Bell County CIHCP for healthcare (254-933-5210); (4) The HOP / Hill Country Transit for transportation; (5) Catholic Charities of Central Texas; (6) Salvation Army of Killeen-Temple. Dial 211 for general referrals.
$100–$1,800/yr
Hill Country Community Action Association (HCCAA) — CEAP Energy Assistance (Bell County)
CountyBell County's CEAP is delivered through HCCAA. HCCAA provides utility bill payment assistance for electricity, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance during extreme weather; weatherization; Head Start; senior nutrition; case management; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL; priority for households with elderly, disabled, or children under 5. Apply at hccaa.com or by calling HCCAA at 325-372-5167.
$200–$1,600/yr
Healthcare
Programs here are typically worth $1,000–$18,000 a year to an eligible household.
Bell County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe Bell County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Bell County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple (flagship academic medical center for the region) and AdventHealth Central Texas (Killeen) — major regional referral hospitals; also Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Cavazos. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple (Bell County) is the regional academic medical center / tertiary referral; AdventHealth Central Texas in Killeen is the other major regional referral. Both have Patient Financial Assistance Programs (typically 200% FPL or broader). Apply by calling Bell County at 254-933-5210.
$1,000–$18,000/yr
In this county: Bell CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple (flagship academic medical center for the region) and AdventHealth Central Texas (Killeen) — major regional referral hospitals; also Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Cavazos. Baylor Scott & White Temple + AdventHealth Central Texas Killeen are regional tertiary referrals.
Nutrition
Programs here are typically worth $1,200–$4,500 a year to an eligible household.
Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas (AAACT) — Title III + ADRC (Bell County)
CountyAAACT serves Bell County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 7-county Central Texas region. Services include Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare), Care Coordination, Caregiver Support, In-Home Support, and Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Apply by calling AAACT at 254-770-2330 or 800-447-7169.
$1,200–$4,500/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
Hill Country Transit District (The HOP) — Fixed-Route + Demand-Response (Bell County)
CountyThe HOP (Hill Country Transit District) provides transit across Bell County. Fixed-route urban service operates in Killeen-Temple-Belton-Copperas Cove-Harker Heights metro (Bell + Coryell); demand-response rural service covers the remaining counties. Seniors 60+ qualify for reduced fares. Apply at takethehop.com or by calling 254-933-3700 (urban) or 800-791-9601 (rural).
$200–$2,000/yr
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Bell County and across the rest of Texas. Full details are on the Texas benefits page.
Emergency Aid
Employment
- Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)Federal$15,000–$17,000/yrOfficial source →
Food Assistance
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Senior Food BoxFederal$240–$600/yrOfficial source →
- Congregate Meals at Senior CentersFederal$1,000–$2,500/yrOfficial source →
- Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)Federal$1,500–$4,000/yrOfficial source →
- Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)Federal$35–$50/yrOfficial source →
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for SeniorsFederal$280–$2,400/yrOfficial source →
Healthcare
- CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA)Federal$3,000–$15,000/yrOfficial source →
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)FederalOfficial source →
- VA Health CareFederal$5,000–$20,000/yrOfficial source →
- Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD)State$4,000–$25,000/yrOfficial source →
- Texas STAR+PLUS — Medicaid Managed Care + Long-Term Services and SupportsState$6,000–$80,000/yrOfficial source →
Home Care
- Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)State$30,000–$80,000/yrOfficial source →
Housing
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)Federal$8,000–$20,000/yrOfficial source →
- HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the ElderlyFederal$5,000–$15,000/yrOfficial source →
Income Support
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)Federal$11,928–$17,892/yrOfficial source →
Long Term Care
Medicare Savings
- Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)Federal$4,000–$5,300/yrOfficial source →
- Qualifying Individual (QI)Federal$2,400–$2,435/yrOfficial source →
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)Federal$2,435–$3,500/yrOfficial source →
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)Federal$2,400–$2,435/yrOfficial source →
Supportive Services
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman ProgramFederalOfficial source →
- National Family Caregiver Support Program (OAA Title III-E)Federal$1,000–$5,000/yrOfficial source →
- Older Americans Act Supportive Services (Title III-B)Federal$500–$3,000/yrOfficial source →
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)FederalOfficial source →
- Texas Disabled Veteran Super Combo Hunting & Fishing License (Free)StateOfficial source →
- Texas State Veterans Cemeteries (No-Cost Burial Benefits)StateOfficial source →
- Texas Veterans Commission Claims Assistance (Free VA Claims Help)StateOfficial source →
Tax Relief
- Federal Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (IRS Schedule R)Federalup to $1,125/yrOfficial source →
- Texas 100% Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption (Total Property Tax Exemption)State$3,000–$9,000/yrOfficial source →
- Texas Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (Partial, 10%–100% Rating)State$85–$265/yrOfficial source →
- Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption + School District Tax Ceiling (Tax Freeze)State$600–$3,500/yrOfficial source →
Utility Assistance
- Federal LifelineFederal$111–$411/yrOfficial source →
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)Federal$3,000–$8,000/yrOfficial source →
Veteran Benefits
- VA Aid & Attendance (Improved Pension)Federal$12,000–$34,488/yrOfficial source →
Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.