Senior benefits in Sterling County, Texas

Sterling County's CEAP is delivered through Concho Valley Community Action Agency (CVCAA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving 11 Concho Valley counties. CVCAA provides utility assistance, rental assistance, weatherization, and case management. CEAP covers electric, gas, and propane payments plus energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. PROCESSING TAKES 60-90 DAYS — apply EARLY in the season. Not an emergency program. Apply at cvcaa.org/what_we_do/utility_assistance.php or by calling CVCAA at 325-653-2411.

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

Sterling 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) Sterling County CIHCP / Shannon for healthcare (325-378-5191); (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 Sterling 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: Sterling 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: No hospital in county; residents access San Angelo (Shannon). Shannon Medical Center (San Angelo) is the regional tertiary referral hospital for the entire Concho Valley. Apply by calling Sterling County at 325-378-5191.

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

CVCOG AAA serves Sterling 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 Sterling. 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 Sterling 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. Sterling 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