Senior benefits in Stephens County, Texas

Stephens County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by Rolling Plains Management Corporation (Crowell) through its Abilene office at 1150 Estates Drive, Suite A. It helps pay electric, gas and propane bills, helps in an energy emergency, and offers free advice on lowering energy costs. Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Apply online at rollingplains.org, or call the Abilene office at 325-672-3969 (toll-free 877-450-7616) or the main office at 940-684-1571 to set up an appointment. The TDHCA CEAP line is 800-525-0657.

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

Stephens County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) TDHCA CEAP subrecipient for utility assistance (800-525-0657); (2) WCTCOG AAA for senior services (325-672-8544); (3) Stephens County CIHCP / Hendrick Health for healthcare (254-559-7252); (4) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of San Angelo or West Texas; (5) Salvation Army Abilene. Dial 211 for general emergency aid referrals.

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

The Stephens County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Stephens 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: Stephens Memorial Hospital (Breckenridge). Hendrick Health System (Abilene) is the regional tertiary referral hospital for the entire West Central Texas region. Apply by calling Stephens County at 254-559-7252.

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

In this county: Stephens CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Stephens Memorial Hospital (Breckenridge). Hendrick (Abilene) is the tertiary referral; Hendrick's Financial Assistance Policy provides broader 250% FPL coverage for households above CIHCP threshold.

SSVF helps very low-income veteran families in Stephens 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.

WCTCOG AAA serves Stephens County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of its 19-county West Central Texas region (18,000 sq mi). Services are administered through local senior centers and/or rural transportation providers throughout the region. Programs include: Home-Delivered Meals for homebound seniors who cannot prepare nutritious meals themselves; Congregate Meals at senior centers, churches, or senior housing communities; Care Coordination; Caregiver Support; Benefits Counseling (Medicare); Transportation referrals; ADRC intake. Apply by calling WCTCOG AAA at 325-793-8417. Office: 3702 Loop 322, Abilene TX 79602.

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

Rural public transit in Stephens County is City and Rural Rides (CARR), run by the Central Texas Rural Transit District in Coleman. CARR gives curb-to-curb rides to the general public (door-to-door on advance request) for shopping, work, errands and doctor visits, with extra on-demand service for elderly and disabled riders. Rides must be booked by phone at least one business day ahead, by 12:00 p.m. Call CARR at 1-800-710-2277 to schedule a ride and ask about fares.

Estimated service value: $100–$1,200 a year