Senior benefits in Austin County, Texas

Austin County's emergency aid framework operates through referral coordination: (1) Combined Community Action (CCA) for CEAP utility assistance (979-540-2980); (2) H-GAC AAA for senior services (713-627-3200); (3) Austin County CIHCP for healthcare (979-865-3911); (4) United Way Greater Houston / 211 for general referrals; (5) faith-based partners (Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, local churches).

Estimated bill savings: $200–$2,500 a year

Austin County's CEAP is delivered through Combined Community Action (CCA). The agency provides utility bill payment assistance for electric, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance for shutoffs; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at https://www.ccaction.com/family-services or by calling 979-540-2980.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,600 a year

In this county: Combined Community Action (CCA) is the TDHCA CEAP subrecipient for Austin County (TDHCA Help for Texans lookup and the TDHCA Subrecipient Contact List updated 2026-02-02, checked 2026-09-25). CCA's CEAP counties are Austin, Bastrop, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend and Lee. Funds are limited and run out during the program year, so apply early. Subrecipient assignments can change between program years — confirm with TDHCA at 800-525-0657 if unsure.

The Austin 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: Austin 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, inpatient and outpatient hospital services through participating providers. PRIMARY HOSPITALS: Bellville Medical Center is the local hospital; many residents use Houston/Fort Bend hospitals. For Austin residents above 21% FPL, the dominant hospital's Patient Financial Assistance Program (typically at 200% FPL) is the broader pathway. Apply by calling Austin County at 979-865-3911.

Estimated bill savings: $1,200–$22,000 a year

In this county: The 21% FPL gate is the Texas statutory minimum — extremely strict. Only Austin residents at or near SSI income levels qualify. Bellville Medical Center is the local hospital; many residents use Houston/Fort Bend hospitals. For Austin residents above 21% FPL, each dominant private hospital's own Financial Assistance Program (typically 200% FPL) is the broader pathway.

H-GAC serves Austin County seniors as part of its 12-county Houston region AAA — DISTINCT from the Harris County AAA which is operated separately by the Houston Health Department. H-GAC AAA delivers Title III congregate meals, Home-Delivered Meals for homebound seniors age 60+, Information Referral and Assistance, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP), Care Coordination, Caregiver Support, In-Home Support, Ombudsman services, and ADRC intake. Apply by calling the Statewide TX AAA line at 855-937-2372 or the H-GAC AAA directly at 713-627-3200.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$5,000 a year

Colorado Valley Transit District (CVTD) runs rural public transit in Austin County, open to the general public. Seniors 60 and older in Austin County ride free (donations accepted); register with the dispatcher to get a fare card. Demand-response rides are door-to-door or curb-to-curb, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and must be booked 24 hours ahead. Areas served include Bellville, Sealy, Wallis, San Felipe, Industry, New Ulm, and other Austin County communities. A LOOP bus runs in Bellville, and LINK buses connect Bellville, Sealy, Wallis, and San Felipe. In Sealy, CVTGoNow on-demand rides are booked online and require a fare card. For information and reservations, call 1-800-548-1068 or 979-732-6281.

Estimated service value: $300–$2,200 a year