Senior benefits in McLennan County, Texas
Seniors living in McLennan County, Texas have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with everyday needs like energy bills, health care, food, transportation, and more. The Area Agency on Aging of the Heart of Texas (AAAHOT), headquartered in Waco, is a strong local starting point for connecting to services under the Older Americans Act. For help with utility costs, the Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC) of Planning Region XI administers the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) locally. Getting around is easier through The HOP, which offers both fixed-route bus service in Waco and demand-response rides across the region. Residents who need medical care but have limited income may qualify for the McLennan County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP). State programs like Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD) and Texas STAR+PLUS also serve eligible residents here. Dozens of federal programs apply as well. Each listing on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified, and the administering agency makes all final eligibility decisions.
5
Local programs
12
Texas programs
25
Federal programs
15
Categories
Local starting point
Waco Transit System / Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) — the HOP fixed-route bus serves the city of Waco; HOTCOG operates rural demand-response across the 6-county Heart of Texas region (Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, McLennan)
254-292-1820
See which of these McLennan County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the McLennan 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 McLennan County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving McLennan County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.
Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC) of PR XI — CEAP Energy Assistance (McLennan County)
CountyMcLennan County's CEAP is delivered through EOAC. EOAC provides utility bill payment assistance for electricity, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance; weatherization (Bosque, Ellis, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Johnson, Limestone, McLennan, Navarro); and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at eoacwaco.org or by calling EOAC at 254-756-0954.
$200–$1,600/yr
McLennan County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyMcLennan County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) EOAC for CEAP utility (254-756-0954); (2) AAAHOT for senior services (254-292-1800); (3) McLennan County CIHCP for healthcare (254-757-5180); (4) HOTCOG Rural Transit / The HOP for transportation (254-292-1820); (5) Caritas of Waco and Salvation Army of Waco for additional emergency aid; (6) Mission Waco. 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.
McLennan County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe McLennan County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: McLennan County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center and Ascension Providence Waco — the two major Waco hospitals serving the entire Heart of Texas region as regional tertiary referrals. Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest and Ascension Providence Waco are the regional tertiary referral hospitals — both have Patient Financial Assistance Programs (typically 200% FPL or broader). Apply by calling McLennan County at 254-757-5180.
$1,000–$18,000/yr
In this county: McLennan CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center and Ascension Providence Waco — the two major Waco hospitals serving the entire Heart of Texas region as regional tertiary referrals. Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest + Ascension Providence (Waco) 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 the Heart of Texas (AAAHOT) — Title III + ADRC (McLennan County)
CountyAAAHOT serves McLennan County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 6-county Heart of 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 AAAHOT at 254-292-1800 or 800-447-7169.
$1,200–$4,500/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
The HOP (Waco Transit / HOTCOG Rural Transit) — Demand-Response + Fixed-Route (McLennan County)
CountyThe HOP and HOTCOG Rural Transit provide transit across McLennan County. The HOP fixed-route bus operates in Waco-Bellmead-Hewitt-Robinson-Woodway-Lacy-Lakeview (urban McLennan); HOTCOG operates rural demand-response across all 6 counties. Seniors 60+ qualify for reduced fares. ADA-eligible riders qualify for paratransit. Apply at waco-texas.com for urban service or call HOTCOG Rural Transit at 254-292-1820.
$200–$2,000/yr
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in McLennan 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.