Senior benefits in Cooke County, Texas
Seniors in Cooke County, Texas, and their family caregivers have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, energy costs, transportation, food, and more. A strong local starting point is the Area Agency on Aging of Texoma (TCOG AAA), which serves Cooke County and connects older adults to services under the Older Americans Act. TCOG Community Services delivers energy and utility help through the CEAP Energy Assistance program for those who qualify. If you need rides to appointments or errands, TCOG Rural Transit offers demand-response transportation across the region. The Cooke County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) may help residents who need medical coverage but do not qualify for other programs. For urgent needs, Cooke County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination can connect you to housing, utility, and other local resources. State programs like Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled and the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption may also apply. Federal programs add even more options. Each listing below includes its official source and the date it was last verified — the administering agency makes the final eligibility decision.
5
Local programs
12
Texas programs
25
Federal programs
15
Categories
Local starting point
Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) — designated AAA under OAA Title III for the 3-county Texoma region (Cooke, Fannin, Grayson); headquartered in Sherman
903-813-3505
See which of these Cooke County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Cooke 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 Cooke County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Cooke County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.
Cooke County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyCooke County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) TCOG Community Services for CEAP utility, weatherization, and housing (903-893-2161); (2) TCOG AAA for senior services (903-893-2161); (3) Cooke County CIHCP for healthcare (940-668-5400); (4) TCOG Rural Transit for transportation (903-893-2161); (5) Catholic Charities of Texoma; (6) Salvation Army of Sherman. Dial 211 for general referrals.
$100–$1,800/yr
TCOG Community Services — CEAP Energy Assistance (Cooke County)
CountyCooke County's CEAP is delivered directly by TCOG Community Services. TCOG provides utility bill payment assistance for electricity, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance; weatherization; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at tcog.com or by calling TCOG at 903-893-2161, or dial 211.
$200–$1,600/yr
Healthcare
Programs here are typically worth $1,000–$18,000 a year to an eligible household.
Cooke County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe Cooke County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Cooke County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: North Texas Medical Center (Gainesville) — independent community hospital. Wilson N. Jones Regional Medical Center and Texoma Medical Center (both in Grayson County) are the regional tertiary referral hospitals — both have Patient Financial Assistance Programs (typically 200% FPL or broader). Apply by calling Cooke County at 940-668-5400.
$1,000–$18,000/yr
In this county: Cooke CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. North Texas Medical Center (Gainesville) — independent community hospital. Wilson N. Jones + Texoma Medical Center (Sherman/Denison) 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 Texoma (TCOG AAA) — Title III + ADRC (Cooke County)
CountyTCOG AAA serves Cooke County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 3-county Texoma 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 TCOG AAA at 903-813-3505 or 800-677-8264.
$1,200–$4,500/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
TCOG Rural Transit — Demand-Response (Cooke County)
CountyTCOG Rural Transit provides demand-response transit across Cooke County and the broader Texoma region. Seniors 60+ qualify for reduced fares. Advance reservation typically required. Apply at tcog.com or by calling TCOG at 903-893-2161, or dial 211.
$200–$2,000/yr
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Cooke 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.