Senior benefits in Jefferson County, Texas
Seniors living in Jefferson County, Texas have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, energy costs, food, transportation, and more. The Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Texas (SETRPC AAA) is the local starting point for older adults and caregivers looking for guidance on services in this area. Local options include the Jefferson County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) for those who need help covering medical costs, and SETRPC Community Services, which delivers the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) to help with home energy bills. Getting around is easier through Beaumont Municipal Transit (BMT), Port Arthur Transit, and the ZIP rural transit service. State programs such as Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD), Texas STAR+PLUS, and the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption are also available here, along with dozens of federal programs. Each listing on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified, and the administering agency always makes the final eligibility decision.
5
Local programs
12
Texas programs
25
Federal programs
15
Categories
Local starting point
South East Texas Regional Planning Commission (SETRPC) — designated AAA under OAA Title III for the 3-county Southeast Texas region (Hardin, Jefferson, Orange); headquartered in Beaumont
409-899-8444
See which of these Jefferson County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Jefferson 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 Jefferson County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Jefferson County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.
Jefferson County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyJefferson County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) SETRPC Community Services for CEAP utility (409-899-8444); (2) SETRPC AAA for senior services (409-899-8444); (3) Jefferson County CIHCP for healthcare (409-835-8567); (4) SETRPC ZIP rural transit / BMT / Port Arthur Transit (409-727-2384); (5) Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas (ccsetx.org); (6) Salvation Army of Beaumont; (7) United Way of Beaumont/Mid- and South-Jefferson County. Dial 211 for general referrals.
$100–$1,800/yr
SETRPC Community Services — CEAP Energy Assistance (Jefferson County)
CountyJefferson County's CEAP is delivered directly by SETRPC Community Services. SETRPC provides utility bill payment assistance for electricity, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance; weatherization; and energy education. Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas (ccsetx.org) is a complementary safety-net partner. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at setrpc.org or by calling SETRPC at 409-899-8444.
$200–$1,600/yr
Healthcare
Programs here are typically worth $1,000–$18,000 a year to an eligible household.
Jefferson County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe Jefferson County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Jefferson County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas (Beaumont) and Christus Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth (Beaumont) + St. Mary (Port Arthur) — major regional referral hospitals; also Medical Center of Southeast Texas (Port Arthur). Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas and Christus Southeast Texas (Beaumont) are the regional tertiary referral hospitals — both have Patient Financial Assistance Programs (typically 200% FPL or broader). Apply by calling Jefferson County at 409-835-8567.
$1,000–$18,000/yr
In this county: Jefferson CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas (Beaumont) and Christus Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth (Beaumont) + St. Mary (Port Arthur) — major regional referral hospitals; also Medical Center of Southeast Texas (Port Arthur). Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas + Christus Southeast Texas (Beaumont) 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 Southeast Texas (SETRPC AAA) — Title III + ADRC (Jefferson County)
CountySETRPC AAA serves Jefferson County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 3-county Southeast 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 SETRPC AAA at 409-899-8444 or 800-395-5465.
$1,200–$4,500/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
Beaumont Municipal Transit (BMT) + Port Arthur Transit + ZIP — Fixed-Route + Paratransit (Jefferson County)
CountyJefferson County transit: Beaumont Municipal Transit (BMT) operates fixed-route service across Beaumont; Port Arthur Transit operates fixed-route in Port Arthur; SETRPC ZIP transit provides rural demand-response. Seniors 60+ qualify for reduced fares. ADA-eligible riders qualify for paratransit. Apply at beaumonttexas.gov (BMT), portarthurtx.gov (Port Arthur Transit), or setrpc.org (ZIP rural).
$200–$2,000/yr
In this county: Jefferson County: three coordinated transit operators (BMT, Port Arthur Transit, SETRPC ZIP rural).
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Jefferson 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.