Benefits · Texas

Senior benefits in Shackelford County, Texas

Seniors in Shackelford County, Texas, and their families 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 West Central Texas (WCTCOG AAA) is the local starting point for older adults in this county. It connects seniors to services under Title III of the Older Americans Act and serves as an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Other local resources include the Shackelford County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP), administered in Albany, which provides health care assistance for qualifying residents, and Shackelford County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination for those facing urgent needs. The CEAP (TDHCA-Coordinated) program may help with energy bills, and Rural Demand-Response Transit serves seniors who need a ride. State programs such as Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD) and the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption also apply here, 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

Rural transit service for Shackelford County operates through regional transit providers including Central Texas Rural Transit District, Aspermont SBDC (for Jones-area counties), and other regional demand-response operators contracted through the West Central Texas Council of Governments

325-672-8544

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

Find my benefits

Helping others? Print the Shackelford 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.

Benefit changes →

Programs run in Shackelford County

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

Emergency Aid

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

CEAP (TDHCA-Coordinated) — Shackelford County

County

CEAP delivery for Shackelford County is coordinated by TDHCA through a subrecipient agency. The West Central Texas region is served by various TDHCA-contracted nonprofits — to identify the CURRENT subrecipient serving Shackelford, call TDHCA at 800-525-0657 or call WCTCOG AAA at 325-672-8544 for a current referral. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Senior-headed households receive priority.

$200–$1,600/yr

How to apply →Official source →800-525-0657Last verified · August 30, 2026

Shackelford County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination

County

Shackelford County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) TDHCA CEAP subrecipient for utility assistance (800-525-0657); (2) WCTCOG AAA for senior services (325-672-8544); (3) Shackelford County CIHCP / Hendrick Health for healthcare (325-762-2232); (4) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of San Angelo or West Texas; (5) Salvation Army Abilene. Dial 211 for general emergency aid referrals.

$100–$1,800/yr

How to apply →Official source →211Last verified · September 2, 2026

Healthcare

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

Shackelford County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)

County

The Shackelford County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Shackelford 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: No hospital in county; residents access Abilene (Hendrick), Stamford, or Anson hospitals. Hendrick Health System (Abilene) is the regional tertiary referral hospital for the entire West Central Texas region. Apply by calling Shackelford County at 325-762-2232.

$1,000–$18,000/yr

In this county: Shackelford CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. No hospital in county; residents access Abilene (Hendrick), Stamford, or Anson hospitals. Hendrick (Abilene) is the tertiary referral; Hendrick's Financial Assistance Policy provides broader 250% FPL coverage for households above CIHCP threshold.

How to apply →Official source →325-762-2232Last verified · September 1, 2026

Nutrition

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

Area Agency on Aging of West Central Texas (WCTCOG AAA) — Title III + ADRC (Shackelford County)

County

WCTCOG AAA serves Shackelford County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of its 19-county West Central Texas region (18,000 sq mi). Services are administered through local senior centers and/or rural transportation providers throughout the region. Programs include: Home-Delivered Meals for homebound seniors who cannot prepare nutritious meals themselves; Congregate Meals at senior centers, churches, or senior housing communities; Care Coordination; Caregiver Support; Benefits Counseling (Medicare); Transportation referrals; ADRC intake. Apply by calling WCTCOG AAA at 325-672-8544. Office: 3702 Loop 322, Abilene TX 79602.

$1,200–$4,500/yr

How to apply →Official source →325-672-8544Last verified · September 3, 2026

Transportation

Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,200 a year to an eligible household.

Rural Demand-Response Transit (Shackelford County)

County

Public transit in Shackelford County operates through regional rural transit providers contracted via WCTCOG. The principal rural transit operator for the West Central Texas region is the Central Texas Rural Transit District, with additional service in some northern counties provided by Aspermont Small Business Development Center, Inc. (covering rural Jones County and adjacent areas). Senior fares are typically reduced or free for qualifying riders. Demand-response requires advance reservation. Apply through WCTCOG AAA at 325-672-8544 to identify the current operator for Shackelford County and coordinate transportation referrals.

$100–$1,200/yr

How to apply →Official source →325-672-8544Last verified · August 31, 2026

Texas and federal programs

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

Income Support

Utility Assistance

Veteran Benefits

← All Texas counties

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