Senior benefits in Denton County, Texas

Gives unpaid family caregivers a break. The North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging gives respite vouchers that pay a provider you choose for care at home or in a facility. The standard one-time benefit is $800, used all at once or over three months (the respite page says vouchers of up to $1,000). Case managers can also arrange help like grab bars, ramps, emergency response devices and health supplies. You may qualify if you care for someone 60 or older, or someone of any age with Alzheimer's or a related dementia. Grandparents 55 or older raising a grandchild 18 or younger can also get respite vouchers and support. The caregiver or the person cared for must live in Denton County or another county the agency serves. Funding is limited. Call 800-272-3921 to ask for an application packet.

Estimated service value: $800–$1,000 a year

Denton County's CEAP provides utility bill payment assistance for electric, gas, and propane, energy crisis assistance for shutoffs, and energy education. Eligibility is set at 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. CEAP in Denton County is delivered through Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG); apply at tcog.com/energy-services or by calling 903-893-2161.

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

Denton 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) Denton County CIHCP for healthcare (940-349-2950); (4) United Way of Metropolitan Dallas / 211 for general referrals; (5) faith-based partners (Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, local churches).

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

The Denton 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: Denton 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: Texas Health Presbyterian Denton, Medical City Denton, Medical City Lewisville. Apply by calling Denton County at 940-349-2950.

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

In this county: Denton CIHCP. Texas Health Presbyterian Denton, Medical City Denton, Medical City Lewisville.

NCTCOG serves Denton 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.

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

Public transit serving Denton County: DCTA — Denton County Transportation Authority is the principal transit operator, serving Denton, Lewisville, Highland Village with fixed-route bus + A-Train commuter rail + Access ADA paratransit; seniors 65+ receive reduced fares. DCTA reduced fares (bus, A-train and GoZone) require a Reduced Fare Eligible badge, available to seniors age 65 or over, people with disabilities and Medicare cardholders. Access non-ADA demand-response rides in Denton, Lewisville and Highland Village serve riders age 65 and over and people with disabilities; an application is required and rides are booked by appointment (one-way fare $3.00). For specific schedule, route, and fare information call 940-243-0077.

Estimated service value: $300–$2,400 a year