Senior benefits in Wise County, Texas
Seniors age 65 and older living in Wise County, Texas have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, energy costs, food, transportation, and more. The North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging serves Wise County and is a strong local starting point for finding help with services under the Older Americans Act. The Wise County Indigent Health Care Program may help cover medical costs for those who qualify, and the Wise County Public Transit Senior Service and Paratransit program offers demand-response rides for older adults who need them. Energy bill assistance may be available through CEAP, coordinated locally for Wise County residents. State programs such as Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled, Texas STAR+PLUS, and the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption and School District Tax Ceiling may also apply. Dozens of federal programs are listed on this page 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
North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Area Agency on Aging — designated AAA under OAA Title III for 14 counties surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth (Collin, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Wise); distinct from Dallas County AAA (Community Council) and Tarrant County AAA (United Way) which are separately operated
800-272-3921
See which of these Wise County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Wise 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 Wise County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Wise County. Start here.
Emergency Aid
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,500 a year to an eligible household.
CEAP (TDHCA-Coordinated) — Wise County
CountyCEAP delivery for Wise County is coordinated by TDHCA through a subrecipient agency. To identify the CURRENT subrecipient, call TDHCA at 800-525-0657. Eligibility is 150% FPL. Senior-headed households receive application priority.
$200–$1,600/yr
Wise County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
CountyWise County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework. Emergency needs are addressed through: (1) CEAP subrecipient for utility assistance; (2) NCTCOG AAA for senior services (800-272-3921); (3) Wise County CIHCP for healthcare (940-627-2890); (4) United Way of Metropolitan Dallas / 211 for general referrals; (5) faith-based partners (Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, local churches).
$200–$2,500/yr
Healthcare
Programs here are typically worth $1,200–$22,000 a year to an eligible household.
Wise County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
CountyThe Wise County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents who don't qualify for other state or federal healthcare programs. Eligibility: Wise County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level (the Texas statutory minimum); not Medicaid-eligible. CIHCP covers physician services, lab/x-ray, three prescriptions per month, and inpatient/outpatient hospital services through participating providers. PRIMARY HOSPITALS: Wise Health System (Decatur). Apply by calling Wise County at 940-627-2890.
$1,200–$22,000/yr
In this county: Wise CIHCP. Wise Health System (Decatur).
Nutrition
Programs here are typically worth $1,500–$5,000 a year to an eligible household.
North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging (NCTCOG AAA) — Title III + ADRC (Wise County)
CountyNCTCOG serves Wise County seniors age 60+ and their family caregivers. NCTCOG AAA delivers Direct Services (Benefits Counseling, Care Coordination, Long-term Care Ombudsman, Nursing Home Relocation) plus Contract Services (Home-Delivered Meals, Congregate Meals, Transportation, Healthy Living Workshops). The agency does not charge for its services but encourages voluntary contributions. Apply by calling NCTCOG AAA at 800-272-3921. Office: 616 Six Flags Drive (Centerpoint Two), Arlington TX 76011.
$1,500–$5,000/yr
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $300–$2,400 a year to an eligible household.
Wise County Public Transit — Senior Service + Paratransit
CountyPublic transit serving Wise County: Cross Timbers Rural Transit District provides demand-response service. Seniors AGE 60+ typically qualify for reduced or free fares depending on the operator. Demand-response service requires advance reservations (typically 24-48 hours). For specific schedule, route, and fare information call 254-893-2222.
$300–$2,400/yr
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Wise 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.