Senior benefits in Hunt 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 Hunt 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

Hunt 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 Hunt 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

Hunt 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) Hunt County CIHCP for healthcare (903-408-4170); (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 Hunt 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: Hunt 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: Hunt Regional Healthcare (Greenville), Hunt Regional Medical Partners. Apply by calling Hunt County at 903-408-4170.

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

In this county: Hunt CIHCP. Hunt Regional Healthcare (Greenville), Hunt Regional Medical Partners.

NCTCOG serves Hunt 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

The Connection is Hunt County's reservation-based public bus service, run by Senior Center Resources and Public Transit, Inc. (SCRPT) in Greenville. Anyone in Hunt County can ride, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Book one day ahead; same-day rides are available at double the regular fare. Riders age 60 and older get free rides to hospitals, doctors' offices, pharmacies, the grocery store (one trip a week) and senior centers; other trips are $2 one way in the same city and $3 one way within the county. Call 903-454-1444 to book.

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