Senior benefits in Smith County, Texas

Smith 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

Smith County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) TDHCA CEAP subrecipient for utility (800-525-0657); (2) ETCOG AAA for senior services (1-800-442-8845); (3) Smith County CIHCP / UT Health East Texas / CHRISTUS Health for healthcare (903-590-4670); (4) GoBus for transportation (1-800-590-3371); (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Tyler; (6) Salvation Army Tyler or Longview. Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

UT Health East Texas operates UT Health Tyler, UT Health East Texas Rehabilitation Hospital, and a network of community hospitals across the East Texas region (UT Health Pittsburg, UT Health Henderson, UT Health Jacksonville, UT Health Quitman, UT Health Athens). UT Health East Texas's Financial Assistance Policy has a distinctive multi-tier structure: (1) FREE CARE at 204% Federal Poverty Level or below; (2) DISCOUNTED CARE at 322% FPL or below; (3) UNINSURED 75% DISCOUNT on hospital bills (does NOT apply to professional/doctor bills). The 322% FPL outer threshold is among the more generous TX hospital tier structures modeled (matches Parkland Dallas's 400% FPL outer / 200% inner pattern). Apply by contacting UT Health East Texas Patient Financial Services or visit uthealtheasttexas.com/policies-and-disclosures/billing-payment-policy.

Estimated bill savings: $1,500–$60,000 a year

In this county: UT Health East Texas tier structure (204% FPL free + 322% FPL discount + 75% uninsured discount) is generous and tertiary referral access extends across the 14-county ETCOG region. The 75% uninsured discount applies only to HOSPITAL bills, not separate physician/professional bills — patients may receive separate billing from physician practices not on UT Health staff.

ETCOG AAA serves Smith County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers. Services include Information and Referral, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare), Case Management, Health Education, Senior Nutrition Programs (Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals), Housing Repair, Caregiver Support, and Ombudsman Advocacy. Apply by calling 1-800-442-8845 or visiting easttexasaaa.org. Office: 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore TX 75662.

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

Smith County is served by TWO transit operators: (1) TYLER TRANSIT — the City of Tyler's urban transit (fixed-route bus + ADA paratransit within city limits); (2) GOBUS — the ETCOG-operated rural demand-response transit serving non-urbanized Smith County plus 12 other East Texas counties. Tyler Transit ADA paratransit is based on functional ability (not income). GoBus fares are $2 per trip + $1 per additional stop. Seniors 60+, persons with disabilities, veterans, and active military qualify for GoBus service. Apply for Tyler Transit ADA paratransit through the City of Tyler; book GoBus rides by calling 1-800-590-3371 or online at gobustransit.com.

Estimated service value: $300–$2,500 a year

In this county: Tyler Transit serves Tyler city limits; GoBus covers non-urbanized Smith County. Senior fare discount is automatic on age proof.