Senior benefits in Washington County, Texas
Seniors aged 65 and older living in Washington County, Texas, may qualify for a wide range of benefit programs at the federal, state, and local level. This page brings those programs together in one place so you can see what help may be available. Locally, the Brazos Valley Council of Governments AAA (BVCOG AAA) serves as the Area Agency on Aging for the region and is a strong starting point for connecting older adults to services and referrals. The Brazos Valley Community Action Agency (BVCAA) administers energy assistance through the CEAP program for eligible households, and the Brazos Transit District (BTD) offers demand-response transportation options across the county. Washington County also runs its own Indigent Health Care Program for qualifying residents, and Washington County Emergency Aid provides referral coordination for those facing urgent needs. State programs such as Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled, Texas STAR+PLUS, and the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption may also apply. Dozens of federal programs are listed below as well. Each program listing 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
Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG) — established to serve the 7-county Brazos Valley region; AAA serving older adults since 1976
979-595-2800
See which of these Washington County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Washington 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 Washington County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Washington County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.
Brazos Valley Community Action Agency (BVCAA) — CEAP Energy Assistance (Washington County)
CountyWashington County's CEAP is delivered through Brazos Valley Community Action Agency (BVCAA). BVCAA provides utility bill payment assistance for electric, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at bvcaa.org or by calling BVCAA at 979-690-0921.
$200–$1,600/yr
Washington County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyWashington County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) BVCAA for CEAP utility (979-690-0921); (2) BVCOG AAA for senior services (979-595-2800); (3) Washington County CIHCP for healthcare (979-277-6200); (4) BTD for transportation (979-778-0607); (5) Catholic Charities of Brazos Valley; (6) Salvation Army Bryan. 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.
Washington County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe Washington County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Washington County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: CHI St. Joseph Health Brenham. CHI St. Joseph Health and Baylor Scott & White (Bryan-College Station) are the regional tertiary referral hospitals — both have Patient Financial Assistance Programs (typically 200% FPL or broader). Apply by calling Washington County at 979-277-6200.
$1,000–$18,000/yr
In this county: Washington CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. CHI St. Joseph Health Brenham. CHI St. Joseph and Baylor Scott & White Bryan-College Station are the tertiary referrals.
Nutrition
Programs here are typically worth $1,200–$4,500 a year to an eligible household.
Brazos Valley Council of Governments AAA (BVCOG AAA) — Title III + ADRC (Washington County)
CountyBVCOG AAA serves Washington County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of its 7-county Brazos Valley region (Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, Washington). Services include Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare), Care Coordination, Caregiver Support, and Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Apply by calling BVCOG AAA at 979-595-2800.
$1,200–$4,500/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
Brazos Transit District (BTD) — Demand-Response + The District (Bryan-College Station Fixed-Route) (Washington County)
CountyBrazos Transit District (BTD) is the principal rural transit operator serving Washington County and the broader Brazos Valley. In Bryan-College Station, BTD operates 'The District' fixed-route bus service. Across the rural counties, BTD provides demand-response transit. Seniors qualify for reduced fares. Advance reservation typically required for demand-response. Apply at btd.org or by calling 979-778-0607.
$200–$2,000/yr
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Washington 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.