Senior benefits in Pecos County, Texas

Pecos County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) WTO for CEAP utility 806-872-8354) — same nonprofit also runs TRAX transit; (2) AAAPB for senior services (432-563-1061); (3) Pecos County CIHCP / hospital district for healthcare (432-336-2792); (4) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of San Angelo or Lubbock; (5) Salvation Army Big Spring or Midland. Dial 211 for general emergency aid referrals.

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

Pecos County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by Pecos County Community Action Agency at 101 S Jackson St in Fort Stockton. It helps pay electric, gas and propane bills and offers free advice on lowering energy costs. Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Call 432-336-7526 to ask for an application — the agency has no online form.

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

In this county: Pecos County Community Action Agency covers Crane, Pecos and Terrell counties for CEAP and takes applications by phone or in person. Money is limited and is handed out during the program year until that year's funding runs out.

The Pecos 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: Pecos County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level (Texas statutory minimum); not Medicaid-eligible. Covers physician services, lab/x-ray, three prescriptions per month, and inpatient/outpatient hospital services through participating providers. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Pecos County Memorial Hospital (Fort Stockton). Apply by calling Pecos County at 432-336-2792.

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

In this county: Pecos CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Pecos County Memorial Hospital (Fort Stockton).

AAAPB serves Pecos County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of its 17-county Permian Basin region. Services include Benefits Counseling, Congregate Dining + Home-Delivered Meals (food insecurity + social activity), Information/Referral/Assistance, Ombudsman program for long-term care facilities, Care Coordination, and senior center coordination. Apply by calling AAAPB at 432-563-1061 or visiting pbrpc.org/departments/area-agency-on-aging.

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

TRAX is the demand-response public transit service for Pecos County (population ~15K), operated by West Texas Opportunities, Inc. (WTO) — the regional 501(c)(3) nonprofit also serving as the CEAP subrecipient (see tx.pecos.wto_ceap). TRAX serves the entire Permian Basin region plus adjacent rural areas — demand-response means rides must be reserved ahead by phone (ask about the notice time and fares when booking); rides connect Fort Stockton to other Permian Basin communities and to medical specialists in Midland or Odessa. Call WTO at 1-800-245-9028 to schedule rides.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,800 a year