Benefits · Texas

Senior benefits in San Patricio County, Texas

Seniors in San Patricio 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 the Coastal Bend serves this county and is a strong local starting point — it connects older adults and caregivers to services under the Older Americans Act and can help navigate options through its Aging and Disability Resource Center. The Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) administers the Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) locally, helping eligible households with energy bills. San Patricio County also runs its own Indigent Health Care Program for residents who may qualify, and the county coordinates emergency aid referrals through the San Patricio County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination network. Demand-response transportation is available through Coastal Bend Rural Transit for seniors who need rides. State programs like Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled and Texas STAR+PLUS may also apply, along with dozens of federal programs. Each listing below includes its official source and the date it was last verified — the administering agency makes all final eligibility decisions.

5

Local programs

12

Texas programs

25

Federal programs

15

Categories

Local starting point

Coastal Bend Council of Governments (CBCOG) — designated AAA under OAA Title III for 11 South Texas counties (Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio); established February 22, 1974

361-883-5743

See which of these San Patricio County programs you may qualify for.

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Programs run in San Patricio County

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

Emergency Aid

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

Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) — CEAP (San Patricio County)

County

San Patricio County's CEAP is delivered through Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit CAA serving 15 South Texas counties from one regional infrastructure. CACOST provides utility bill payment assistance for electric, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. South Texas hot climate makes COOLING-CRISIS assistance critical. Apply at cacost.org/programs/ceap-utility-assistance or by calling CACOST.

$200–$1,600/yr

How to apply →Official source →361-883-3935Last verified · August 31, 2026

San Patricio County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination

County

San Patricio County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) CEAP subrecipient (CACOST 361-883-3935 OR TDHCA 800-525-0657) for utility assistance; (2) CBCOG AAA for senior services (361-883-5743); (3) San Patricio County CIHCP / Nueces County Hospital District (CHRISTUS Spohn) for healthcare (361-364-9300); (4) United Way of the Coastal Bend; (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Dial 211 for general referrals.

$100–$1,800/yr

How to apply →Official source →211Last verified · September 4, 2026

Healthcare

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

San Patricio County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)

County

The San Patricio County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: San Patricio 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: CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Sinton; Bay Area Hospital (Aransas Pass). CHRISTUS Spohn (Corpus Christi) is the regional tertiary referral hospital — CHRISTUS Spohn's Financial Assistance Program (200% FPL free / 400% FPL sliding) provides broader coverage for households above CIHCP threshold. Apply by calling San Patricio County at 361-364-9300.

$1,000–$18,000/yr

In this county: San Patricio CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Sinton; Bay Area Hospital (Aransas Pass). CHRISTUS Spohn (Corpus Christi) is the regional tertiary referral.

How to apply →Official source →361-364-9300Last verified · September 3, 2026

Nutrition

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

Area Agency on Aging of the Coastal Bend (CBCOG AAA) — Title III + ADRC (San Patricio County)

County

CBCOG AAA serves San Patricio County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers. The AAA was created in 1974 and serves over 30 cities across the 11-county Coastal Bend region. Services include Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals, Transportation referrals, Senior Centers, Fall Prevention programs, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare), Long-Term Care Facility Advocacy (Ombudsman), and Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) intake. The AAA targets older adults with the greatest social and economic needs — especially frail, low-income, and minority seniors. Apply by calling CBCOG AAA at 361-883-5743 or visiting coastalbendcog.org/aaa. Office: 2910 Leopard St., Corpus Christi TX 78408.

$1,200–$4,500/yr

How to apply →Official source →361-883-5743Last verified · June 7, 2026

Transportation

Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.

Coastal Bend Rural Transit — Demand-Response Service (San Patricio County)

County

Public transit in San Patricio County operates through Coastal Bend regional rural transit providers — primarily Rural Economic Assistance League (REAL Inc) and CACOST-coordinated services. Demand-response service requires advance reservation. Seniors typically qualify for reduced or free fares depending on the operator. Rural-to-Corpus Christi medical trips are a common service pattern. Apply for transit referrals through Coastal Bend AAA at 361-883-5743 or through your local senior center.

$100–$1,500/yr

How to apply →Official source →361-883-5743Last verified · June 7, 2026

Texas and federal programs

Open to eligible households in San Patricio 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.