Senior benefits in McCulloch County, Texas

McCulloch County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by Cornerstone Community Action Agency in Coleman. It helps pay home energy bills, with priority for older adults, people with disabilities, families with young children and households whose energy costs are high for their income; in an energy crisis it can also repair an existing heating or cooling unit. Every applicant gets an energy-needs assessment, budget counseling and energy-saving education. Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Call 325-625-4167 to request assistance, or email application documents to CSdepartment@cornerstonecaa.org. The TDHCA CEAP line is 800-525-0657.

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

McCulloch County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) CVCAA for CEAP utility (325-653-2411) or TDHCA-coordinated subrecipient; (2) CVCOG AAA for senior services (1-877-944-9666); (3) McCulloch County CIHCP / Shannon for healthcare (325-597-1707); (4) CVTD for transportation (rural FREE rides); (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of San Angelo; (6) Salvation Army San Angelo. Dial 211 for general referrals.

Estimated bill savings: $100–$1,800 a year

The McCulloch 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: McCulloch County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. Covers physician services, lab/x-ray, three prescriptions per month, and inpatient/outpatient hospital services through participating providers. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Heart of Texas Memorial Hospital (Brady). Shannon Medical Center (San Angelo) is the regional tertiary referral hospital for the entire Concho Valley. Apply by calling McCulloch County at 325-597-1707.

Estimated bill savings: $1,000–$18,000 a year

In this county: McCulloch CIHCP at 21% FPL. Heart of Texas Memorial Hospital (Brady). Shannon Medical Center (San Angelo) is the regional tertiary referral; CVTD demand-response can transport CIHCP enrollees to San Angelo at no cost (rural FREE program).

SSVF helps very low-income veteran families in McCulloch County who are about to lose their housing or have recently become homeless. A case manager makes a housing stability plan with you, helps you get other benefits, and connects you with community services. Depending on eligibility, it can give limited temporary help with rent, utilities, deposits, child care, bus fares and emergency supplies. Call 1-800-928-2262.

CVCOG AAA serves McCulloch County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers. Services include Information & Referral (coordinated with 2-1-1 Texas of the Concho Valley), resource database, education and outreach, Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals, Transportation (coordinated with CVTD), Caregiver Support, Health Programs, Ombudsman, ADRC intake, and Benefits Counseling (Medicare). Apply by calling CVCOG AAA at 325-223-5704 or 1-877-944-9666. Office: 5430 Link Road, San Angelo TX 76904.

Estimated service value: $1,200–$4,500 a year

Concho Valley Transit District (CVTD) is the regional transit operator serving 13 counties of central and western Texas including McCulloch. CVTD's senior fare structure is DISTINCTIVE: reduced fares are available for seniors AGE 65+, students, military, persons with disabilities, and Medicare card holders. EVEN BETTER for rural counties — rural clients (in McCulloch and 12 other CVTD counties, EXCLUDING Brady On-Demand) ride at NO COST. CVTD's 5310-grant Elderly & Disabled program gives free curb-to-curb rides to people 65+ and people with disabilities when grant funding is available — CVTD says the program is temporary and not always available, so call 325-947-8729 to ask. Riders 60 and over can also get Area Agency on Aging trips within the service area (325-223-5704, toll-free 1-877-944-9666). CVTD operates fixed-route bus service within San Angelo (Tom Green County), demand-response across the rural counties, and ADA paratransit for eligible riders. Apply for senior reduced fare ID or paratransit eligibility at the CVTD office (510 N. Chadbourne, San Angelo TX 76903) or call CVTD Customer Service at 877-947-8729. McCulloch residents typically use demand-response for medical trips to San Angelo (Shannon Medical Center) or local errands.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,500 a year