Senior benefits in Webb County, Texas
Seniors in Webb 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 South Texas Development Council (STDC AAA), headquartered in Laredo, is the local starting point for older adults and caregivers looking for guidance on available services. For transportation, El Metro Transit offers fixed-route bus service and El Lift paratransit for eligible riders in the Laredo metro area. The Webb County Community Action Agency (WCCAA) administers energy assistance through the Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), and the Webb County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) may help residents who need medical coverage. Webb County Emergency Aid provides referral coordination for those facing urgent needs. State programs such as Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD) and Texas STAR+PLUS 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, and the administering agency makes the final eligibility decision.
5
Local programs
12
Texas programs
25
Federal programs
15
Categories
Local starting point
South Texas Development Council (STDC) — designated AAA under OAA Title III for the 4-county South Texas region (Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, Zapata); headquartered in Laredo
800-292-5426
See which of these Webb County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Webb 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 Webb County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Webb County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.
Webb County Community Action Agency (WCCAA) — CEAP Energy Assistance (Webb County)
CountyWebb County's CEAP is delivered through Webb County Community Action Agency (WCCAA), a county-government CAA. WCCAA provides utility bill payment assistance for electricity, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at webbcountytx.gov/communityactionagency/CEAP or by calling WCCAA at 956-523-4243.
$200–$1,600/yr
In this county: Webb CEAP via Webb County's own Community Action Agency (county-government CAA).
Webb County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyWebb County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) 956-523-4243 (WCCAA) for CEAP utility; (2) STDC AAA for senior services (800-292-5426); (3) Webb County CIHCP for healthcare (956-523-4150); (4) regional transit operator; (5) Catholic Charities of Laredo; (6) Salvation Army Laredo. 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.
Webb County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe Webb County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Webb County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Laredo Medical Center and Doctors Hospital of Laredo — the two major Laredo hospitals serving the entire South Texas border region as regional tertiary referrals. Laredo Medical Center and Doctors Hospital of Laredo are the regional tertiary referral hospitals — both have Patient Financial Assistance Programs (typically 200% FPL or broader). Apply by calling Webb County at 956-523-4150.
$1,000–$18,000/yr
In this county: Webb CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Laredo Medical Center and Doctors Hospital of Laredo — the two major Laredo hospitals serving the entire South Texas border region as regional tertiary referrals. Laredo Medical Center + Doctors Hospital of Laredo 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 the South Texas Development Council (STDC AAA) — Title III + ADRC (Webb County)
CountySTDC AAA serves Webb County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 4-county South Texas border 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 STDC AAA at 800-292-5426 or 956-722-3995.
$1,200–$4,500/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
El Metro Transit (Laredo Transit) — Fixed-Route + El Lift Paratransit (Webb County)
CountyEl Metro Transit provides fixed-route bus service across Laredo and El Lift ADA paratransit. Seniors 60+ qualify for reduced fares. ADA-eligible riders qualify for El Lift paratransit. Apply at elmetro.com or by calling 956-795-2280.
$200–$2,000/yr
In this county: Webb/Laredo transit. El Metro fixed-route + El Lift paratransit. cityoflaredo.com is the City of Laredo's official domain (auto-allowed under .gov? No — .com needs allowlist or .gov subdomain).
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Webb 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.