Senior benefits in Brown County, Texas

Brown County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) TDHCA CEAP subrecipient for utility assistance (800-525-0657); (2) WCTCOG AAA for senior services (325-672-8544); (3) Brown County CIHCP / Hendrick Health for healthcare (325-643-3134); (4) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of San Angelo or West Texas; (5) Salvation Army Abilene. Dial 211 for general emergency aid referrals.

Estimated bill savings: $100–$1,800 a year

Brown County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by Cornerstone Community Action Agency in Coleman. It helps pay home energy bills, with priority for older adults, people with disabilities, families with young children and households whose energy costs are high for their income; in an energy crisis it can also repair an existing heating or cooling unit. Every applicant gets an energy-needs assessment, budget counseling and energy-saving education. Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Call 325-625-4167 to request assistance, or email application documents to CSdepartment@cornerstonecaa.org. The TDHCA CEAP line is 800-525-0657.

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

The Brown County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Brown County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. Covers physician services, lab/x-ray, three prescriptions per month, and inpatient/outpatient hospital services through participating providers. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Hendrick Health System (Abilene) is the regional tertiary referral hospital for the entire West Central Texas region. Apply by calling Brown County at 325-643-3134.

Estimated bill savings: $1,000–$18,000 a year

In this county: Brown CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Hendrick (Abilene) is the tertiary referral; Hendrick's Financial Assistance Policy provides broader 250% FPL coverage for households above CIHCP threshold.

SSVF helps very low-income veteran families in Brown County who are about to lose their housing or have recently become homeless. A case manager makes a housing stability plan with you, helps you get other benefits, and connects you with community services. Depending on eligibility, it can give limited temporary help with rent, utilities, deposits, child care, bus fares and emergency supplies. Call 1-800-928-2262.

WCTCOG AAA serves Brown County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of its 19-county West Central Texas region (18,000 sq mi). Services are administered through local senior centers and/or rural transportation providers throughout the region. Programs include: Home-Delivered Meals for homebound seniors who cannot prepare nutritious meals themselves; Congregate Meals at senior centers, churches, or senior housing communities; Care Coordination; Caregiver Support; Benefits Counseling (Medicare); Transportation referrals; ADRC intake. Apply by calling WCTCOG AAA at 325-793-8417. Office: 3702 Loop 322, Abilene TX 79602.

Estimated service value: $1,200–$4,500 a year

Rural public transit in Brown County is City and Rural Rides (CARR), run by the Central Texas Rural Transit District in Coleman. CARR gives curb-to-curb rides to the general public (door-to-door on advance request) for shopping, work, errands and doctor visits, with extra on-demand service for elderly and disabled riders. Rides must be booked by phone at least one business day ahead, by 12:00 p.m. Call CARR at 1-800-710-2277 to schedule a ride and ask about fares.

Estimated service value: $100–$1,200 a year