Senior benefits in Cottle County, Texas
Seniors in Cottle County, Texas have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, energy costs, food, transportation, and more. Locally, the Area Agency on Aging of North Texas (AAANT) serves as a key starting point, connecting older adults to services under Title III of the Older Americans Act and through its Aging and Disability Resource Center. The Cottle County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP), administered by the Cottle County Commissioners Court in Paducah, may help residents who need medical coverage. West Texas Opportunities (WTO) delivers energy assistance through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) for those who qualify. NorTex Rural Transit offers demand-response transportation options for seniors who need a ride. At the state level, programs like Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD), STAR+PLUS, and the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption may provide additional support. Dozens of federal programs also apply here. Each listing below includes its official source and the date it was last verified — the administering agency makes all final eligibility decisions.
5
Local programs
12
Texas programs
25
Federal programs
15
Categories
Local starting point
Nortex Regional Planning Commission (NRPC) — designated AAA under OAA Title III for the 11-county North Texas region (Archer, Baylor, Clay, Cottle, Foard, Hardeman, Jack, Montague, Wichita, Wilbarger, Young); headquartered in Wichita Falls
940-322-5281
See which of these Cottle County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Cottle 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 Cottle County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Cottle County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.
Cottle County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyCottle County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) the assigned CEAP subrecipient for utility help; (2) AAANT for senior services (940-322-5281); (3) Cottle County CIHCP for healthcare (806-492-3823); (4) Falls Ride or NorTex rural transit referrals; (5) Catholic Charities of North Texas; (6) Salvation Army of Wichita Falls. Dial 211 for general referrals.
$100–$1,800/yr
West Texas Opportunities (WTO) — CEAP Energy Assistance (Cottle County)
CountyCottle County's CEAP is delivered through West Texas Opportunities (WTO). WTO provides utility bill payment assistance for electricity, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance; weatherization; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at gowto.org or by calling WTO at 806-872-8354.
$200–$1,600/yr
Healthcare
Programs here are typically worth $1,000–$18,000 a year to an eligible household.
Cottle County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe Cottle County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Cottle County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: No hospital in county; residents access Childress, Quanah, or Vernon. United Regional Health Care System (Wichita Falls) is the major regional tertiary referral hospital for the entire NorTex region. Apply by calling Cottle County at 806-492-3823.
$1,000–$18,000/yr
In this county: Cottle CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. No hospital in county; residents access Childress, Quanah, or Vernon. United Regional (Wichita Falls) is the regional tertiary referral.
Nutrition
Programs here are typically worth $1,200–$4,500 a year to an eligible household.
Area Agency on Aging of North Texas (AAANT) — Title III + ADRC (Cottle County)
CountyAAANT serves Cottle County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 11-county North 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 AAANT at 940-322-5281 or 800-460-2226.
$1,200–$4,500/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
NorTex Rural Transit — Demand-Response (Cottle County)
CountyRural transit in Cottle County is coordinated through the NorTex region. Seniors 60+ qualify for reduced fares. Advance reservation typically required for demand-response. Contact NRPC AAA at 940-322-5281 for the current rural transit provider serving Cottle County, or dial 211.
$100–$1,500/yr
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Cottle 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.