Senior benefits in Fort Bend County, Texas
Seniors living in Fort Bend County, Texas have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, energy costs, transportation, food, and more. The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Area Agency on Aging serves Fort Bend County and is a strong local starting point — it connects older adults and caregivers to services under the Older Americans Act and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) network. For energy bill help, Combined Community Action (CCA) delivers the Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) locally. Fort Bend County also runs its own Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) for residents who need medical coverage, and Fort Bend Transit offers senior and paratransit rides across the county. State programs such as Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD), STAR+PLUS, and the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption may also apply. Dozens of federal programs are listed here as well. Each program listing below includes its official source and the date it was last verified — the administering agency always makes the final eligibility decision.
5
Local programs
12
Texas programs
25
Federal programs
15
Categories
Local starting point
Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Area Agency on Aging — designated AAA under OAA Title III for the 12-county H-GAC region surrounding Harris County (Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, Wharton); distinct from the Harris County AAA (operated by the Houston Health Department)
713-627-3200
See which of these Fort Bend County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Fort Bend County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,500 a year to an eligible household.
Combined Community Action (CCA) — CEAP Energy Assistance (Fort Bend County)
CountyFort 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 979-540-2987.
$200–$1,600/yr
Fort Bend County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyFort Bend County's emergency aid framework operates through referral coordination: (1) Combined Community Action (CCA) for CEAP utility assistance (979-540-2987); (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).
$200–$2,500/yr
Healthcare
Programs here are typically worth $1,200–$22,000 a year to an eligible household.
Fort Bend County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe 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.
$1,200–$22,000/yr
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.
Nutrition
Programs here are typically worth $1,500–$5,000 a year to an eligible household.
H-GAC Area Agency on Aging — Title III + ADRC (Fort Bend County)
CountyH-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.
$1,500–$5,000/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $300–$2,200 a year to an eligible household.
Fort Bend County Public Transit — Senior Service + Paratransit
CountyPublic transit serving Fort Bend County operates through Fort Bend Transit (FBT) — Fort Bend County's public transit, demand-response within the county PLUS Fort Bend Express commuter routes (Greenway, Uptown/Galleria, Texas Medical Center). Seniors AGE 60+ typically qualify for reduced or free fares depending on the operator and route. Demand-response service requires advance reservations (typically 24-48 hours). For specific schedule, route, and fare information call 281-243-0050 or visit the operator website.
$300–$2,200/yr
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Fort Bend 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.
