Senior benefits in Matagorda County, Texas
Seniors in Matagorda County, Texas, and their families have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with everyday costs, health care, energy bills, and transportation. The H-GAC Area Agency on Aging serves as the local starting point for older adults in this county, connecting people to services under the Older Americans Act and the Aging and Disability Resource Center network. For help with energy costs, the Economic Action Committee of the Gulf Coast (EACGC) delivers the Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) locally. Residents who need medical coverage may qualify for the Matagorda County Indigent Health Care Program or state programs like Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled and Texas STAR+PLUS. Getting around is easier through Matagorda County Public Transit, which offers senior and paratransit service. Dozens of federal programs may also apply. Each listing on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified, but 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 Matagorda County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Matagorda 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 Matagorda County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Matagorda County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,500 a year to an eligible household.
Economic Action Committee of the Gulf Coast (EACGC) — CEAP Energy Assistance (Matagorda County)
CountyMatagorda County's CEAP is delivered through Economic Action Committee of the Gulf Coast (EACGC). 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://eacofthegulfcoast.com/utility-assistance or by calling 979-245-6901.
$200–$1,600/yr
Matagorda County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyMatagorda County's emergency aid framework operates through referral coordination: (1) Economic Action Committee of the Gulf Coast (EACGC) for CEAP utility assistance (979-244-2887); (2) H-GAC AAA for senior services (713-627-3200); (3) Matagorda County CIHCP for healthcare (979-244-7600); (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.
Matagorda County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe Matagorda 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: Matagorda 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: Matagorda Regional Medical Center (Bay City). For Matagorda residents above 21% FPL, the dominant hospital's Patient Financial Assistance Program (typically at 200% FPL) is the broader pathway. Apply by calling Matagorda County at 979-244-7600.
$1,200–$22,000/yr
In this county: The 21% FPL gate is the Texas statutory minimum — extremely strict. Only Matagorda residents at or near SSI income levels qualify. Matagorda Regional Medical Center (Bay City). For Matagorda 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 (Matagorda County)
CountyH-GAC serves Matagorda 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.
Matagorda County Public Transit — Senior Service + Paratransit
CountyPublic transit serving Matagorda County operates through Colorado Valley Transit District (CVTD) — rural demand-response. 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 979-732-6162 or visit the operator website.
$300–$2,200/yr
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Matagorda 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.
