Senior benefits in Lavaca County, Texas
Seniors in Lavaca County, Texas have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, energy costs, food, transportation, and more. The Golden Crescent Area Agency on Aging, based at the Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission, is a strong local starting point — it connects older adults in Lavaca County to services through its Title III programs and Aging and Disability Resource Center. Combined Community Action can help eligible residents apply for energy assistance through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). The Lavaca County Indigent Health Care Program offers a county-administered option for those who need help with medical costs. Getting around is also supported through Golden Crescent Regional Transit's demand-response service. State programs such as Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled and Texas STAR+PLUS may provide health and long-term care coverage. Dozens of federal programs may apply as well. Each 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
Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission (GCRPC) — designated AAA serving the 6-county elderly service area (Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Lavaca, Victoria); headquartered in Victoria
361-578-1587
See which of these Lavaca County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Lavaca 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 Lavaca County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Lavaca County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.
Combined Community Action (CCA) — CEAP Energy Assistance (Lavaca County)
CountyLavaca County's CEAP is delivered through Combined Community Action (CCA). CCA provides utility bill payment assistance for electric, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance; weatherization; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at ccaction.com or by calling CCA at 979-540-2960.
$200–$1,600/yr
Lavaca County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyLavaca County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) CCA (979-540-2960) for CEAP utility; (2) GCRPC AAA (361-578-1587) for senior services; (3) Lavaca County CIHCP for healthcare (361-798-3612); (4) GCRPC Transit (361-578-1587); (5) Catholic Charities of Victoria; (6) Salvation Army Victoria. Dial 211 for general referrals.
$100–$1,800/yr
Healthcare
Programs here are typically worth $1,000–$18,000 a year to an eligible household.
Lavaca County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe Lavaca County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Lavaca County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Lavaca Medical Center (Hallettsville) and Yoakum Community Hospital serve Lavaca County. Citizens Medical Center (county-owned) and DeTar Healthcare in Victoria are the regional tertiary referral hospitals — both have Patient Financial Assistance Programs (typically 200% FPL or broader). Apply by calling Lavaca County at 361-798-3612.
$1,000–$18,000/yr
In this county: Lavaca CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Lavaca Medical Center (Hallettsville) and Yoakum Community Hospital serve Lavaca County. Citizens Medical Center + DeTar (Victoria) are regional tertiary referrals.
Nutrition
Programs here are typically worth $1,200–$4,500 a year to an eligible household.
Golden Crescent Area Agency on Aging (GCRPC AAA) — Title III + ADRC (Lavaca County)
CountyGCRPC AAA serves Lavaca County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers. Services include Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare), Care Coordination, Caregiver Support, In-Home Support, and ADRC of the Golden Crescent. Apply by calling GCRPC AAA at 361-578-1587 or 800-869-1078.
$1,200–$4,500/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
Golden Crescent Regional Transit (GCRPC Transit) — Demand-Response (Lavaca County)
CountyGCRPC Transit provides demand-response transit across Lavaca County and the broader Golden Crescent region (Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, Victoria). Inside Victoria, Victoria Transit operates fixed-route bus service with senior fare reductions. Seniors 60+ qualify for reduced fares; ADA-eligible riders also qualify for paratransit. Advance reservation typically required for demand-response rural rides. Apply at gcrpc.org or by calling 361-578-1587.
$200–$2,000/yr
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Lavaca 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.