Senior benefits in Lamar County, Texas
Seniors in Lamar County, Texas, and their families 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 Ark-Tex (ATCOG AAA) is the local starting point for older adults seeking guidance on available services. ATCOG also operates rural transit through Ark-Tex Rural Transit, helping seniors get to appointments and other destinations across the county. For those struggling with energy bills, the CEAP program is coordinated locally through TDHCA-connected agencies. Lamar County residents who need basic medical care and cannot afford it may qualify for the Lamar County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP), based in Paris. State programs such as Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD), Texas STAR+PLUS, and the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption may also apply. Dozens of federal programs are listed here as well. Each program listing includes its official source and the date it was last verified — the administering agency makes all final eligibility decisions.
6
Local programs
12
Texas programs
25
Federal programs
16
Categories
Local starting point
Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) — established 1969; the regional COG and designated AAA under OAA Title III for 9 northeast Texas counties (Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River, Titus) plus 1 southwest Arkansas county
903-832-8636
See which of these Lamar County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Lamar 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 Lamar County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Lamar County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.
CEAP (TDHCA-Coordinated) — Lamar County
CountyCEAP delivery for Lamar County is coordinated by TDHCA. To identify the CURRENT subrecipient, call TDHCA at 800-525-0657 OR call ATCOG AAA at 903-832-8636 for a referral. Eligibility at 150% FPL.
$200–$1,600/yr
Lamar County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyLamar County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) TDHCA CEAP (800-525-0657); (2) ATCOG AAA (903-832-8636); (3) Lamar County CIHCP for healthcare (903-737-2425); (4) Catholic Charities of Dallas/Tyler; (5) Salvation Army Texarkana. Dial 211 for general referrals.
$100–$1,800/yr
Health Coverage
ATCOG Premium Support Program — Health Insurance Marketplace Premium Help (Lamar County)
CountyHelp paying the monthly premium on a Health Insurance Marketplace plan. ATCOG runs the Premium Support Program with grant money from CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System for people who have enrolled through the Health Insurance Exchange. If you qualify, the program can cover your premium — the monthly amount charged for the coverage. To qualify you must enroll through the Health Insurance Exchange and choose a Silver plan, have income between 100% and 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, and be a Texas resident. Call ATCOG at 903-832-8636 for the application.
Healthcare
Programs here are typically worth $1,000–$18,000 a year to an eligible household.
Lamar County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe Lamar County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Lamar County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Paris Regional Health (Paris) — major regional referral hospital. CHRISTUS St. Michael Texarkana and Paris Regional Health are the major regional referral hospitals for the Ark-Tex region. Apply by calling Lamar County at 903-737-2425.
$1,000–$18,000/yr
In this county: Lamar CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Paris Regional Health (Paris) — major regional referral hospital.
Nutrition
Programs here are typically worth $1,200–$4,500 a year to an eligible household.
Area Agency on Aging of Ark-Tex (ATCOG AAA) — Title III + ADRC (Lamar County)
CountyATCOG AAA serves Lamar County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of its 9-county northeast Texas region. Services include Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare), Care Coordination, Caregiver Support, and Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Apply by calling ATCOG AAA at 903-832-8636. Office: 4808 Elizabeth Street, Texarkana TX 75503.
$1,200–$4,500/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
ATCOG Rural Transit Demand-Response (Lamar County)
CountyPublic transit in Lamar County is provided through ATCOG's rural transit district (demand-response) plus TRAX (Texarkana Urban Transit District) for the Texarkana urban area. Demand-response service requires advance reservation. Senior fares are reduced. Apply through ATCOG at 903-832-8636.
$100–$1,500/yr
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Lamar 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.