Senior benefits in Taylor County, Texas

Taylor 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

Taylor 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) Taylor County CIHCP / Hendrick Health for healthcare (325-674-1335); (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

Hendrick Health System is Abilene's principal hospital and the tertiary referral hub for the entire 19-county West Central Texas region. Hendrick's Financial Assistance Policy uses TWO distinct classifications: (1) MEDICAL INDIGENCE — applies when a patient's financial obligation exceeds 33% of annual household income; Hendrick reduces the obligation down to 33% of household income via charity adjustment. (2) FINANCIAL INDIGENCE — household income at or below 250% FPL receives FULL CHARITY (100% adjustment); above 250% FPL receives PARTIAL CHARITY. Additionally, uninsured patients receive a 35% discount, and those who pay in advance receive a 50% discount. Apply through a Resource Counselor at 325-670-4160 or visit Patient Financial Resource Assistance at 1900 Pine Street, Abilene TX 79601.

Estimated bill savings: $1,500–$50,000 a year

In this county: Hendrick's 250% FPL FULL CHARITY threshold is generous (matches JPS Tarrant). The DISTINCTIVE Medical Indigence pathway (33% of income) is an alternate qualification for patients with catastrophic bills relative to income — even higher-income households facing major medical events can qualify. Hendrick serves the broader 19-county WCTCOG region as the tertiary referral hospital.

SSVF helps very low-income veteran families in Taylor 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 Taylor 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

CityLink Abilene is the City of Abilene's transit operator, providing fixed-route bus, ADA paratransit, and demand-response service. Seniors, persons with disabilities, and Medicare card holders qualify for reduced fares. The ADA Paratransit Van Service has TWO fare tiers: ADA Service Area + Extended Service Area. Rural Taylor County is served by Central Texas Rural Transit District. Apply for senior reduced fare ID or ADA paratransit certification at CityLink offices or by calling 325-676-6195 (CityLink Customer Service).

Estimated service value: $300–$2,200 a year

In this county: CityLink serves Abilene city limits; rural Taylor County uses Central Texas Rural Transit District.