Senior benefits in Jim Hogg County, Texas

Jim Hogg County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by the South Texas Development Council (STDC) Community Action Program in Laredo. CEAP gives priority to households with the highest energy needs — a high energy burden or a household member who is elderly, disabled or a child aged 5 or younger — and offers utility payment assistance, repair of existing heating and cooling units, crisis purchase of portable heating and cooling units, energy education and budget counseling. Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Apply through STDC's online intake portal (linked from its Community Services page) or call 956-722-3995; the TDHCA CEAP line is 800-525-0657.

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

Jim Hogg County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) 361-664-0145 (CACOST) for CEAP utility; (2) STDC AAA for senior services (800-292-5426); (3) Jim Hogg County CIHCP for healthcare (361-527-3015); (4) regional transit operator; (5) Catholic Charities of Laredo; (6) Salvation Army Laredo. Dial 211 for general referrals.

Estimated bill savings: $100–$1,800 a year

The Jim Hogg County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Jim Hogg 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 Hebbronville Health Center for primary care; tertiary care via Laredo (Webb), Alice (Jim Wells), or Corpus Christi. Laredo Medical Center and Doctors Hospital of Laredo are the regional tertiary referral hospitals — both have Patient Financial Assistance Programs (typically 200% FPL or broader). Apply by calling Jim Hogg County at 361-527-3015.

Estimated bill savings: $1,000–$18,000 a year

In this county: Jim Hogg CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. No hospital in county; residents access Hebbronville Health Center for primary care; tertiary care via Laredo (Webb), Alice (Jim Wells), or Corpus Christi. Laredo Medical Center + Doctors Hospital of Laredo are regional tertiary referrals.

STDC AAA serves Jim Hogg County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 4-county South Texas border 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 STDC AAA at 800-292-5426 or 956-722-3995.

Estimated service value: $1,200–$4,500 a year

STDC Rural Transit provides demand-response transit across Jim Hogg County and rural areas of Webb, Zapata, and Jim Hogg. Seniors 60+ qualify for reduced fares. Advance reservation typically required. Apply at stdc.cog.tx.us or by calling 956-722-3995.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year