Senior benefits in Hamilton County, Texas
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Seniors living in Hamilton County, Texas, may qualify for a wide range of benefit programs — from local services to state and federal assistance. The Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas (AAACT) is the local starting point for older adults and caregivers seeking help. AAACT connects Hamilton County residents to services under the Older Americans Act and can guide you through available options. Locally, the Hamilton County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) may help cover medical costs for those who qualify, and Hamilton County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination can connect residents to urgent assistance. Hill Country Community Action Association (HCCAA) administers CEAP energy assistance for eligible households, and Hill Country Transit District (The HOP) offers fixed-route and demand-response transportation across the county. State programs such as Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD), Texas STAR+PLUS, and the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption are also listed here. Dozens of federal programs apply as well. Each listing below includes its official source and the date it was last verified — the administering agency makes the final eligibility decision.
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Local programs
16
Texas programs
25
Federal programs
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Categories
Last verified · October 12, 2026
Local starting point
Central Texas Council of Governments (CTCOG) — designated AAA under OAA Title III for the 7-county Central Texas region (Bell, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, Mills, San Saba); headquartered in Belton
254-770-2330
See which of these Hamilton County programs you may qualify for.
Discover my benefitsHelping others? Print the Hamilton 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 Hamilton County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Hamilton County. Start here.
Emergency Aid in Hamilton County
Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $100–$1,800 a year.
Hamilton County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination
County · TexasHamilton County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) HCCAA for CEAP utility (325-372-5167); (2) AAACT for senior services (254-770-2330); (3) Hamilton County CIHCP for healthcare (254-386-3417); (4) The HOP / Hill Country Transit for transportation; (5) Catholic Charities of Central Texas; (6) Salvation Army of Killeen-Temple. Dial 211 for general referrals.
Estimated bill savings: $100–$1,800 a year
Hill Country Community Action Association (HCCAA) — CEAP Energy Assistance (Hamilton County)
County · TexasHamilton County's CEAP is delivered through HCCAA. HCCAA provides utility bill payment assistance for electricity, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance during extreme weather; weatherization; Head Start; senior nutrition; case management; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL; priority for households with elderly, disabled, or children under 5. Apply at hccaa.com or by calling HCCAA at 325-372-5167.
Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,600 a year
Healthcare in Hamilton County
Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $1,000–$18,000 a year.
Hamilton County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
County · TexasThe Hamilton County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Hamilton County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Hamilton General Hospital (Hamilton) — county-owned community hospital. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple (Bell County) is the regional academic medical center / tertiary referral; AdventHealth Central Texas in Killeen is the other major regional referral. Both have Patient Financial Assistance Programs (typically 200% FPL or broader). Apply by calling Hamilton County at 254-386-3417.
Estimated bill savings: $1,000–$18,000 a year
In this county: Hamilton CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Hamilton General Hospital (Hamilton) — county-owned community hospital. Baylor Scott & White Temple + AdventHealth Central Texas Killeen are regional tertiary referrals.
Nutrition in Hamilton County
Programs here typically provide services worth $1,200–$4,500 a year to an eligible household.
Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas (AAACT) — Title III + ADRC (Hamilton County)
County · TexasAAACT serves Hamilton County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 7-county Central Texas region. Services include Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare), Care Coordination, Caregiver Support, In-Home Support, and Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Apply by calling AAACT at 254-770-2330 or 800-447-7169.
Estimated service value: $1,200–$4,500 a year
Transportation in Hamilton County
Programs here typically provide services worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
Hill Country Transit District (The HOP) — Fixed-Route + Demand-Response (Hamilton County)
County · TexasThe HOP (Hill Country Transit District) provides transit across Hamilton County. Fixed-route urban service operates in Killeen-Temple-Belton-Copperas Cove-Harker Heights metro (Bell + Coryell); demand-response rural service covers the remaining counties. Seniors 60+ qualify for reduced fares. Apply at takethehop.com or by calling 254-933-3700 (urban) or 800-791-9601 (rural).
Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year
Local agencies serving Hamilton County
Who runs the county programs above, and how to reach them. Every line comes from a program record on this page — nothing is added that the catalog does not cite.
Hamilton County Commissioners Court
Runs: Hamilton County Emergency Aid, Hamilton County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)
Hill Country Community Action Association, Inc. (HCCAA)
Central Texas Council of Governments (CTCOG)
Hill Country Transit District (HCTD)
Texas and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Hamilton County and across the rest of Texas. Full details are on the Texas benefits page.
Money & income4 programs
Cash paid to you, and emergency help when money runs short.
Health & Medicare costs8 programs
Medicaid, Medicare savings, and help with drug and doctor bills.
- Medicare Savings Programs in Texas (QMB, SLMB, QI-1)
- Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD)
- Texas STAR+PLUS — Medicaid Managed Care + Long-Term Services and Supports
- Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)
- Qualifying Individual (QI)
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Food5 programs
SNAP (food stamps), meals, and farmers market coupons.
Home, bills & taxes10 programs
Help with heating and electric bills, rent, property taxes, and home repairs.
- Texas 100% Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption (Total Property Tax Exemption)
- Texas Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (Partial, 10%–100% Rating)
- Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption + School District Tax Ceiling (Tax Freeze)
- Texas Property Tax Deferral for Homeowners 65+ or Disabled
- Amy Young Barrier Removal Program (AYBR)
- Federal Lifeline
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Federal Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (IRS Schedule R)
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
- HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
Care at home & long-term care4 programs
Help staying in your home, nursing home alternatives, and support for family caregivers.
Help, advice & legal7 programs
Free counseling, legal help, rides, and other senior services.
- Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP): free Medicare counseling
- Texas Disabled Veteran Super Combo Hunting & Fishing License (Free)
- Texas State Veterans Cemeteries (No-Cost Burial Benefits)
- Texas Veterans Commission Claims Assistance (Free VA Claims Help)
- Older Americans Act Supportive Services (Title III-B)
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
Veterans3 programs
Benefits for veterans and their surviving spouses.
Nearby counties
Local programs differ from one county to the next. If you live near a county line, or you are helping a parent who lives in one of these, it is worth checking there too.
Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.
