Senior benefits in Kaufman 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 Kaufman 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

Kaufman County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by Greater East Texas Community Action Program (GETCAP) in Nacogdoches. It provides a usually one-time payment toward utility, water and electric bills; the target groups are older adults, people with disabilities, households with children under six and working low-income families. Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Call GETCAP at 800-621-5746 or the TDHCA CEAP line at 800-525-0657.

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

In this county: Greater East Texas Community Action Program (GETCAP) is the TDHCA CEAP subrecipient for Kaufman County (TDHCA Help for Texans lookup and the TDHCA Subrecipient Contact List updated 2026-02-02, checked 2026-09-25). Funds are limited and run out during the program year, so apply early. Subrecipient assignments can change between program years — confirm with TDHCA at 800-525-0657 if unsure. GETCAP's own site does not yet name Kaufman County (its energy-assistance page still lists only the original 11 counties); TDHCA's 2026-02-02 subrecipient list and the Help for Texans lookup both do.

Kaufman 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) Kaufman County CIHCP for healthcare (972-932-4337); (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 Kaufman 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: Kaufman 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 Kaufman, Baylor Scott & White Sunnyvale. Apply by calling Kaufman County at 972-932-4337.

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

In this county: Kaufman CIHCP. Texas Health Presbyterian Kaufman, Baylor Scott & White Sunnyvale.

NCTCOG serves Kaufman 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

STAR Transit runs public transit in Kaufman County, open to anyone in its service area. Dial-a-ride trips go from origin to destination, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday in most areas. Call at least 1 business day and no more than 2 weeks ahead at 877-631-5278 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Riders 60 and older, veterans, and riders with disabilities pay reduced dial-a-ride fares: $1 for trips of 5 miles or less, up to $6 for trips over 25 miles (the general fare is $2 to $12). Call STAR Transit to verify reduced-fare eligibility.

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

In this county: Book dial-a-ride trips at least 1 business day ahead. STAR Transit verifies reduced-fare eligibility by phone.