Senior benefits in Falls County, Texas
Seniors aged 65 and older in Falls County, Texas, have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with everyday needs. The Area Agency on Aging of the Heart of Texas (AAAHOT) is a strong local starting point — it connects older adults and caregivers to services across the region. For help with energy costs, the Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC) of Planning Region XI administers CEAP energy assistance right here in Falls County. Those who need medical coverage may qualify for the Falls County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP), Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled, or Texas STAR+PLUS for long-term care support. Transportation is available through The HOP, which offers demand-response and fixed-route service in the area. State programs like the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption and dozens of federal programs also apply. This page lists each program with its official source and the date it was last verified. The listed agency always makes the final eligibility decision.
5
Local programs
12
Texas programs
25
Federal programs
15
Categories
Local starting point
Waco Transit System / Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) — the HOP fixed-route bus serves the city of Waco; HOTCOG operates rural demand-response across the 6-county Heart of Texas region (Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, McLennan)
254-292-1820
See which of these Falls County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Falls 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 Falls County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Falls County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.
Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC) of PR XI — CEAP Energy Assistance (Falls County)
CountyFalls County's CEAP is delivered through EOAC. EOAC provides utility bill payment assistance for electricity, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance; weatherization (Bosque, Ellis, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Johnson, Limestone, McLennan, Navarro); and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at eoacwaco.org or by calling EOAC at 254-756-0954.
$200–$1,600/yr
Falls County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyFalls County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) EOAC for CEAP utility (254-756-0954); (2) AAAHOT for senior services (254-292-1800); (3) Falls County CIHCP for healthcare (254-883-1426); (4) HOTCOG Rural Transit / The HOP for transportation (254-292-1820); (5) Caritas of Waco and Salvation Army of Waco for additional emergency aid; (6) Mission Waco. Dial 211 for general referrals.
$100–$1,800/yr
Healthcare
Programs here are typically worth $1,000–$18,000 a year to an eligible household.
Falls County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe Falls County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Falls County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Falls Community Hospital (Marlin) — independent community hospital. Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest and Ascension Providence Waco are the regional tertiary referral hospitals — both have Patient Financial Assistance Programs (typically 200% FPL or broader). Apply by calling Falls County at 254-883-1426.
$1,000–$18,000/yr
In this county: Falls CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Falls Community Hospital (Marlin) — independent community hospital. Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest + Ascension Providence (Waco) 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 the Heart of Texas (AAAHOT) — Title III + ADRC (Falls County)
CountyAAAHOT serves Falls County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 6-county Heart of 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 AAAHOT at 254-292-1800 or 800-447-7169.
$1,200–$4,500/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
The HOP (Waco Transit / HOTCOG Rural Transit) — Demand-Response + Fixed-Route (Falls County)
CountyThe HOP and HOTCOG Rural Transit provide transit across Falls County. The HOP fixed-route bus operates in Waco-Bellmead-Hewitt-Robinson-Woodway-Lacy-Lakeview (urban McLennan); HOTCOG operates rural demand-response across all 6 counties. Seniors 60+ qualify for reduced fares. ADA-eligible riders qualify for paratransit. Apply at waco-texas.com for urban service or call HOTCOG Rural Transit at 254-292-1820.
$200–$2,000/yr
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Falls 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.