Benefits · Texas

Senior benefits in Ochiltree County, Texas

Seniors in Ochiltree County, Texas have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, energy costs, transportation, food, and more. The Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle (PRPC AAA) is the local starting point for older adults seeking guidance on services and support through Title III and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Panhandle Community Services (PCS) provides energy assistance through the CEAP program and also operates Panhandle Transit, which offers demand-response rides for seniors in rural areas like Ochiltree County. Residents who need help with medical costs may qualify for the Ochiltree County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) or state programs such as Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD) and Texas STAR+PLUS. The Ochiltree County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination program can connect people to additional local and faith-based resources in a crisis. 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 makes all final eligibility decisions.

5

Local programs

12

Texas programs

25

Federal programs

15

Categories

Local starting point

Panhandle Regional Planning Commission (PRPC) — established 1969; the regional COG for the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle and the designated AAA under OAA Title III

806-372-3381

See which of these Ochiltree County programs you may qualify for.

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Programs run in Ochiltree County

Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Ochiltree County. Start here.

Emergency Aid

Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.

Ochiltree County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination

County

Ochiltree County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) PCS for CEAP utility (806-342-6116) — same nonprofit runs Panhandle Transit; (2) PRPC AAA for senior services (806-372-3381); (3) Ochiltree County CIHCP for healthcare (806-435-9536); (4) Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle (Amarillo); (5) Salvation Army Amarillo. Dial 211 for general referrals.

$100–$1,800/yr

How to apply →Official source →211Last verified · September 1, 2026

Panhandle Community Services (PCS) — CEAP Energy Assistance (Ochiltree County)

County

Ochiltree County's CEAP is delivered through Panhandle Community Services (PCS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit CAA serving all 26 Panhandle counties. PCS also operates PANHANDLE TRANSIT (the rural transit district) — making it a single unified-intake nonprofit for both utility assistance and transportation (same dual-function model as South Plains' SPCAA). CEAP provides utility bill payment for electric, gas, propane; energy crisis assistance; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at pcsvcs.org/services/utility or by calling PCS at 806-342-6116.

$200–$1,600/yr

How to apply →Official source →806-342-6116Last verified · September 3, 2026

Healthcare

Programs here are typically worth $1,000–$18,000 a year to an eligible household.

Ochiltree County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)

County

The Ochiltree 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: Ochiltree County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. Covers physician services, lab/x-ray, three prescriptions per month, and inpatient/outpatient hospital services through participating providers. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Ochiltree General Hospital (Perryton). BSA Health System and Northwest Texas Healthcare System (Amarillo) are the regional tertiary referral hospitals for the entire 26-county Panhandle. Apply by calling Ochiltree County at 806-435-9536.

$1,000–$18,000/yr

In this county: Ochiltree CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Ochiltree General Hospital (Perryton). For tertiary care, BSA Health (400% FPL) and NWTHS in Amarillo are the regional referral hospitals; Panhandle Transit can transport CIHCP enrollees there at low cost.

How to apply →Official source →806-435-9536Last verified · August 31, 2026

Nutrition

Programs here are typically worth $1,200–$4,500 a year to an eligible household.

Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle (PRPC AAA) — Title III + ADRC (Ochiltree County)

County

PRPC AAA serves Ochiltree County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of its 26-county Panhandle region. Services include Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals, Emergency Response Services, Adult Day Care, Transportation (coordinated with Panhandle Transit/ACT), Minor Home Repairs/Modifications, Homemaker Services, Personal Care Assistance, Legal Assistance/Representation, Caregiver Support, Benefits Counseling, and ADRC intake. Apply by calling PRPC AAA at 806-372-3381. Office: 415 SW 8th Avenue, Amarillo TX 79101.

$1,200–$4,500/yr

How to apply →Official source →806-372-3381Last verified · September 4, 2026

Transportation

Programs here are typically worth $200–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.

Panhandle Transit (PCS) — Rural Demand-Response (Ochiltree County)

County

Panhandle Transit is the demand-response public transit serving Ochiltree County, operated by Panhandle Community Services (PCS) — the SAME nonprofit also delivering CEAP (see tx.ochiltree.pcs_ceap). Panhandle Transit covers 24 Panhandle counties plus rural Potter and Randall through 10 regional offices providing demand-response general-public transit. Seniors qualify for free or low-cost rides through Panhandle Rides (panhandlerides.com), a regional coordination system. Rural-to-Amarillo medical trips are a common pattern. Call PCS at 806-372-2531 or visit panhandlerides.com to schedule.

$200–$1,800/yr

How to apply →Official source →806-372-2531Last verified · September 2, 2026

Texas and federal programs

Open to eligible households in Ochiltree County and across the rest of Texas. Full details are on the Texas benefits page.

Income Support

Utility Assistance

Veteran Benefits

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.