Senior benefits in Fort Bend County, Texas

Fort Bend County's CEAP is delivered through Combined Community Action (CCA). The agency provides utility bill payment assistance for electric, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance for shutoffs; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at https://www.ccaction.com/family-services or by calling the Stafford office serving Fort Bend County at 346-515-1500 (Giddings main office 979-540-2980).

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,600 a year

In this county: Combined Community Action (CCA) is the TDHCA CEAP subrecipient for Fort Bend County (TDHCA Help for Texans lookup and the TDHCA Subrecipient Contact List updated 2026-02-02, checked 2026-09-25). CCA's CEAP counties are Austin, Bastrop, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend and Lee. Funds are limited and run out during the program year, so apply early. Subrecipient assignments can change between program years — confirm with TDHCA at 800-525-0657 if unsure.

Fort Bend County's emergency aid framework operates through referral coordination: (1) Combined Community Action (CCA) for CEAP utility assistance (979-540-2980); (2) H-GAC AAA for senior services (713-627-3200); (3) Fort Bend County CIHCP for healthcare (281-341-6624); (4) United Way Greater Houston / 211 for general referrals; (5) faith-based partners (Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, local churches).

Estimated bill savings: $200–$2,500 a year

The Fort Bend County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents who don't qualify for other state or federal healthcare programs. Eligibility: Fort Bend County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level (the Texas statutory minimum); not Medicaid-eligible. CIHCP covers physician services, lab/x-ray, three prescriptions per month, inpatient and outpatient hospital services through participating providers. PRIMARY HOSPITALS: Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, Houston Methodist Sugar Land, Texas Children's Sugar Land, OakBend Medical Center; no public hospital district. For Fort Bend residents above 21% FPL, the dominant hospital's Patient Financial Assistance Program (typically at 200% FPL) is the broader pathway. Apply by calling Fort Bend County at 281-341-6624.

Estimated bill savings: $1,200–$22,000 a year

In this county: The 21% FPL gate is the Texas statutory minimum — extremely strict. Only Fort Bend residents at or near SSI income levels qualify. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, Houston Methodist Sugar Land, Texas Children's Sugar Land, OakBend Medical Center; no public hospital district. For Fort Bend residents above 21% FPL, each dominant private hospital's own Financial Assistance Program (typically 200% FPL) is the broader pathway.

H-GAC serves Fort Bend County seniors as part of its 12-county Houston region AAA — DISTINCT from the Harris County AAA which is operated separately by the Houston Health Department. H-GAC AAA delivers Title III congregate meals, Home-Delivered Meals for homebound seniors age 60+, Information Referral and Assistance, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP), Care Coordination, Caregiver Support, In-Home Support, Ombudsman services, and ADRC intake. Apply by calling the Statewide TX AAA line at 855-937-2372 or the H-GAC AAA directly at 713-627-3200.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$5,000 a year

Free legal help for older adults who have been the victim of a crime. H-GAC's team of lawyers works at no charge to stop abuse, limit the harm, recover lost money or property, and pursue justice. Covered crimes include consumer fraud, contractor scams, family violence, financial exploitation, identity theft, internet scams, neglect or physical abuse, sexual assault, stalking or harassment, and "sweetheart" scams. The crime does not have to have been reported to law enforcement, and no referral is needed. Services include legal representation in civil matters tied to the crime, legal advocacy with law enforcement and prosecutors, help navigating the criminal justice system and Adult Protective Services, and referrals to community services. Call 346-500-4620 to make an appointment.

Fort Bend Transit (FBT) is Fort Bend County's public transit. It runs curb-to-curb demand-response rides within the county for the general public ($1 one way) and weekday Commuter Park and Ride service to the Texas Medical Center, Greenway Plaza and Downtown Houston. Book demand-response rides 1 to 10 business days ahead at 866-751-TRIP. General questions: 281-633-7433 (281-633-RIDE).

Estimated service value: $300–$2,200 a year