Senior benefits in Mills County, Texas

Mills 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

Mills 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) Mills County CIHCP for healthcare (325-648-2222); (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

The Mills County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Mills County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: No major hospital in county; residents access Brownwood (Brown), Comanche, San Saba, or Lampasas referrals. 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 Mills County at 325-648-2222.

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

In this county: Mills CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. No major hospital in county; residents access Brownwood (Brown), Comanche, San Saba, or Lampasas referrals. Baylor Scott & White Temple + AdventHealth Central Texas Killeen are regional tertiary referrals.

SSVF helps very low-income veteran families in Mills 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.

AAACT serves Mills 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

The HOP (Hill Country Transit District) provides transit across Mills 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