Senior benefits in Wichita County, Texas
Seniors living in Wichita 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 North Texas (AAANT), headquartered right in Wichita Falls, serves as the local starting point for older adults and caregivers looking for guidance on available services. Locally, programs like Falls Ride offer fixed-route and paratransit options for getting around, while CEAP Energy Assistance can help with utility costs, and the Wichita County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) provides a safety net for those who need medical care. At the state level, programs such as Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD), Texas STAR+PLUS, and the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption may also apply. Beyond that, more than two dozen federal programs are listed on this page as well. Each program listing below 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
Nortex Regional Planning Commission (NRPC) — designated AAA under OAA Title III for the 11-county North Texas region (Archer, Baylor, Clay, Cottle, Foard, Hardeman, Jack, Montague, Wichita, Wilbarger, Young); headquartered in Wichita Falls
940-322-5281
See which of these Wichita County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Wichita 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 Wichita County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Wichita County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.
CEAP Energy Assistance (TDHCA-routed) (Wichita County)
CountyWichita County's CEAP subrecipient is assigned by TDHCA and may rotate between program years among regional Community Action Agencies covering the NorTex region. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Call TDHCA at 800-525-0657 or visit hrc-ic.tdhca.state.tx.us to find the current CEAP subrecipient for Wichita County. NRPC AAA (940-322-5281) can also route seniors to the current operator.
$200–$1,600/yr
Wichita County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyWichita County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) the assigned CEAP subrecipient for utility help; (2) AAANT for senior services (940-322-5281); (3) Wichita County CIHCP for healthcare (940-766-8127); (4) Falls Ride or NorTex rural transit referrals; (5) Catholic Charities of North Texas; (6) Salvation Army of Wichita Falls. 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.
Wichita County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe Wichita County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Wichita County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: United Regional Health Care System (Wichita Falls) — the major regional referral hospital serving the entire NorTex region; Kell West Regional Hospital (Wichita Falls). United Regional Health Care System (Wichita Falls) is the major regional tertiary referral hospital for the entire NorTex region. Apply by calling Wichita County at 940-766-8127.
$1,000–$18,000/yr
In this county: Wichita CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. United Regional Health Care System (Wichita Falls) — the major regional referral hospital serving the entire NorTex region; Kell West Regional Hospital (Wichita Falls). United Regional (Wichita Falls) is the regional tertiary referral.
Nutrition
Programs here are typically worth $1,200–$4,500 a year to an eligible household.
Area Agency on Aging of North Texas (AAANT) — Title III + ADRC (Wichita County)
CountyAAANT serves Wichita County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 11-county North Texas 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 AAANT at 940-322-5281 or 800-460-2226.
$1,200–$4,500/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
Falls Ride (Wichita Falls Transit) — Fixed-Route + Paratransit (Wichita County)
CountyFalls Ride provides fixed-route bus service across Wichita Falls and ADA paratransit. Seniors 65+ qualify for reduced fares. Apply at wichitafallstx.gov or by calling 940-761-7644.
$200–$2,000/yr
In this county: Wichita Falls Falls Ride + ADA paratransit.
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Wichita 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.