Senior benefits in Zavala County, Texas

Zavala County's CEAP is delivered through Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT). CEAP provides utility bill payment assistance for electric, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at https://www.ccsct.org/program/utility-assistance/ or by calling 830-379-9415. South Texas hot climate makes cooling-crisis assistance especially relevant.

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

Zavala County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) CCSCT or other CEAP subrecipient (830-379-9415); (2) MRGDC AAA for senior services (830-876-3533); (3) Zavala County CIHCP / Val Verde Regional / Uvalde Memorial for healthcare (830-374-3810); (4) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Laredo or San Antonio; (5) Salvation Army Del Rio or Uvalde. Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

The Zavala County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Zavala County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Zavala County Memorial Hospital (Crystal City). For regional tertiary care, Uvalde Memorial Hospital and Val Verde Regional Medical Center (Del Rio) are the typical referral hospitals; San Antonio hospitals (University Health, CHRISTUS) for complex care. Apply by calling Zavala County at 830-374-3810.

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

In this county: Zavala CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Zavala County Memorial Hospital (Crystal City). Val Verde Regional Medical Center (300% FPL FAP, Del Rio) is the regional generous referral.

MRGDC AAA serves Zavala County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of its 9-county Middle Rio Grande border region. Services include Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals, Care Coordination, Caregiver Support, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare), Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and ADRC intake. Apply by calling MRGDC AAA at 830-876-3533. Office: 307 W Nopal Street, Carrizo Springs TX 78834.

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

Middle Rio Grande Transit is the demand-response rural public transit serving Zavala County, operated by MRGDC. The region includes the Texas-Mexico border cities of Eagle Pass (Maverick), Del Rio (Val Verde), and Crystal City (Zavala). Demand-response service requires advance reservation. Senior fares are typically reduced. Apply for transit through MRGDC at 830-876-3533.

Estimated service value: $100–$1,500 a year