Senior benefits in Mills County, Texas
Seniors living in Mills County, Texas 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 Central Texas (AAACT) is a strong local starting point — it connects older adults and caregivers to services under Title III and its Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). For help with home energy bills, the Hill Country Community Action Association (HCCAA) administers the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) locally. Getting around the county is easier through Hill Country Transit District (The HOP), which offers both fixed-route and demand-response rides. Residents who need help paying for medical care may qualify for the Mills County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP). State programs such as Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD), Texas STAR+PLUS, and the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption also apply here, along with dozens of federal programs. Each listing on this page 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
Central Texas Council of Governments (CTCOG) — designated AAA under OAA Title III for the 7-county Central Texas region (Bell, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, Mills, San Saba); headquartered in Belton
254-770-2330
See which of these Mills County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Mills 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 Mills County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Mills County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.
Hill Country Community Action Association (HCCAA) — CEAP Energy Assistance (Mills County)
CountyMills County's CEAP is delivered through HCCAA. HCCAA provides utility bill payment assistance for electricity, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance during extreme weather; weatherization; Head Start; senior nutrition; case management; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL; priority for households with elderly, disabled, or children under 5. Apply at hccaa.com or by calling HCCAA at 325-372-5167.
$200–$1,600/yr
Mills County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyMills County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) HCCAA for CEAP utility (325-372-5167); (2) AAACT for senior services (254-770-2330); (3) Mills County CIHCP for healthcare (325-648-2222); (4) The HOP / Hill Country Transit for transportation; (5) Catholic Charities of Central Texas; (6) Salvation Army of Killeen-Temple. 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.
Mills County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe Mills County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Mills County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: No major hospital in county; residents access Brownwood (Brown), Comanche, San Saba, or Lampasas referrals. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple (Bell County) is the regional academic medical center / tertiary referral; AdventHealth Central Texas in Killeen is the other major regional referral. Both have Patient Financial Assistance Programs (typically 200% FPL or broader). Apply by calling Mills County at 325-648-2222.
$1,000–$18,000/yr
In this county: Mills CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. No major hospital in county; residents access Brownwood (Brown), Comanche, San Saba, or Lampasas referrals. Baylor Scott & White Temple + AdventHealth Central Texas Killeen 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 Central Texas (AAACT) — Title III + ADRC (Mills County)
CountyAAACT serves Mills County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 7-county Central 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 AAACT at 254-770-2330 or 800-447-7169.
$1,200–$4,500/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
Hill Country Transit District (The HOP) — Fixed-Route + Demand-Response (Mills County)
CountyThe HOP (Hill Country Transit District) provides transit across Mills County. Fixed-route urban service operates in Killeen-Temple-Belton-Copperas Cove-Harker Heights metro (Bell + Coryell); demand-response rural service covers the remaining counties. Seniors 60+ qualify for reduced fares. Apply at takethehop.com or by calling 254-933-3700 (urban) or 800-791-9601 (rural).
$200–$2,000/yr
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Mills 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.