Senior benefits in Ellis 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 Ellis 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

Ellis 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 Ellis County is delivered through EOAC (Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation of Planning Region XI, Waco); find the current local provider through TDHCA's Help for Texans lookup (tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans).

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

Ellis 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) Ellis County CIHCP for healthcare (972-825-5040); (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 Ellis 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: Ellis 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: Baylor Scott & White Waxahachie, Methodist Midlothian. Apply by calling Ellis County at 972-825-5040.

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

In this county: Ellis CIHCP. Baylor Scott & White Waxahachie, Methodist Midlothian.

NCTCOG serves Ellis 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

Community Transit Service (CTS) is the public demand-response bus service for Ellis and Navarro counties, run by Community Services, Inc. in Corsicana. Anyone in the service area can ride; vehicles are wheelchair accessible and the service is curb-to-curb from your home, work or medical office. Fares vary by distance; buy a pass from the driver. To schedule a ride call 1-800-834-1924 and give your name, pickup and drop-off addresses, appointment time and any accommodations you need. STAR Transit, which runs Kaufman and Rockwall counties, only provides Medicaid and general trips into Ellis County on request.

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

In this county: CTS is open to everyone in Ellis and Navarro counties; rides must be scheduled in advance and fares depend on the trip. Call ahead to confirm hours and cost for your area.