Benefits
Texas Benefits for Older Adults
Texas has many programs that can help older adults pay for health care, food, energy bills, and taxes on their home. This page lists each kind of help in Texas, what it pays for, and where to apply. The state agency makes the final decision on who gets help. You may qualify even if you own your home or get Social Security.
Kinds of benefits in Texas
The agency decides who qualifies. The limits below are the published figures — use them to see whether applying is worth your time.
Social Security in Texas
Social Security pays monthly benefits to retired workers, people with disabilities, and family members of workers who have died. Field offices can help you apply, replace a card, change your benefit information, and apply for Extra Help with drug costs. Many tasks can be done online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Social Security Administration |
| How to apply | Online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local field office. Use the SSA Office Locator to find your office. |
| Phone | 1-800-772-1213 |
| TTY | 1-800-325-0778 |
| Source | Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov) — checked November 8, 2026 |
Medicaid for Older Texans (MEPD)
Medicaid can pay for care that Medicare does not pay for, like long stays in a nursing home, help at home, some dental care, and rides to the doctor. In Texas this program for older adults is called Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities, or MEPD. Many people get their care through STAR+PLUS. You must live in Texas and meet income and resource rules. You may qualify even if you already have Medicare.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) |
| Also called | Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD), STAR+PLUS |
| What it covers | Health care Medicaid does not get from Medicare alone, including long nursing home stays, home aides, some dental care, rides to care, supplies, and hospice. |
| How to apply | Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or at a local HHSC benefits office. |
| Source | Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) (www.hhs.texas.gov) — checked November 8, 2026 |
Texas notes
- Texas is an income-cap state: a Miller Trust may be needed if income is over the cap.
- MERP estate recovery may apply after death for some long-term care services.
- Texas has not expanded Medicaid for adults without disabilities.
Medicare Savings Programs in Texas
Medicare Savings Programs help pay your Medicare costs, like the Part B premium, co-pays, and deductibles. QMB helps people with the lowest incomes. As of March 1, 2026, the QMB limit in Texas is $1,330 a month for one person and $1,804 for a couple, with resources up to $9,660 for one person and $14,470 for a couple. SLMB and QI help people with a bit more income. The state decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) |
| QMB — monthly income limit, couple | $1,804 a month |
| QMB — monthly income limit, one person | $1,330 a month |
| QMB — resource limit, couple | $14,470 |
| QMB — resource limit, one person | $9,660 |
| SLMB — monthly income limit, couple | $2,164 a month |
| SLMB — monthly income limit, one person | $1,596 a month |
| SLMB — resource limit, couple | $14,470 |
| SLMB — resource limit, one person | $9,660 |
| QI — monthly income range, one person | $1,596 to less than $1,796 |
| QDWI — monthly income limit, couple | $3,607 a month |
| QDWI — monthly income limit, one person | $2,660 a month |
| QDWI — resource limit, couple | $6,000 |
| QDWI — resource limit, one person | $4,000 |
| Limits in effect since | March 1, 2026 |
| How to apply | Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or at a local HHSC benefits office. |
| Source | Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) (www.hhs.texas.gov) — checked November 8, 2026 |
SNAP Food Benefits in Texas
SNAP helps people with low income buy food. In Texas, SNAP money comes on a Lone Star Card. The most monthly income for a household of one is $2,152, and $4,421 for a household of four. Older adults may get a simpler form through TSAP if everyone in the home is 60 or older or gets disability payments. The state decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) |
| How to apply | Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or at a local HHSC benefits office. |
| Income limits monthly | 1: 2152; 2: 2909; 3: 3665; 4: 4421; 5: 5177; 6: 5934; 7: 6690; 8: 7446; Each additional: 757 |
| Max monthly amount household of 1 | 298 |
| Source | Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) (www.hhs.texas.gov) — checked November 8, 2026 |
Texas notes
- TSAP gives a simpler SNAP application to households where everyone is 60 or older or gets disability payments and no one has earned income.
- Starting April 1, 2026, SNAP in Texas cannot be used to buy candy or sweetened drinks.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Texas
SSI pays monthly cash to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very little income and few resources. For 2026, the most SSI pays is $994 a month for one person and $1,491 for a couple. Your resources must be $2,000 or less for one person, or $3,000 for a couple. The home you live in does not count. Social Security decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Social Security Administration |
| How to apply | Apply with the Social Security Administration online, by phone, or at a field office. |
| Phone | 1-800-772-1213 |
| Federal benefit rate | Couple: 1491; Individual: 994 |
| Resource limits | Couple: 3000; Individual: 2000 |
| Year | 2026 |
| Source | Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov) — checked November 8, 2026 |
Extra Help With Medicare Drug Costs in Texas
Extra Help is a Medicare program that pays most of your Part D drug plan costs. You may qualify if your income is below 150 percent of the poverty level and your savings are under the limit. For 2026, the resource limit is $16,590 for one person and $33,100 for a couple. If you have Medicaid, SSI, or a Medicare Savings Program, you get Extra Help on its own.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Social Security Administration / Medicare |
| How to apply | Apply at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or through Medicare. People on Medicaid, SSI, or a Medicare Savings Program are signed up on their own. |
| Income rule | Income below 150 percent of the federal poverty level; for a household of one in 2026 that is $23,940 a year. |
| Note | Since January 1, 2024, everyone who qualifies gets the full subsidy. |
| Resource limits 2026 | Couple: 33100; Individual: 16590 |
| Year | 2026 |
| Source | Social Security Administration / Medicare (secure.ssa.gov) — checked November 8, 2026 |
Energy Help in Texas (CEAP)
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program, called CEAP, helps low-income Texas households pay part of their electric, gas, or propane bills. It also teaches ways to use less energy. Local agencies in each county take the applications. Households at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) |
| How to apply | Apply through the local CEAP agency for your county. TDHCA does not take applications itself. |
| Income rule | Eligibility is figured at 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines (TDHCA program guidance). |
| Program | Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) |
| Source | Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) (www.tdhca.state.tx.us) — checked November 8, 2026 |
Property Tax Relief for Older Texans
Texas gives older homeowners two big breaks on property tax. If you are 65 or older, your school taxes get an extra $60,000 homestead exemption on top of the regular $140,000. You can also put off paying your homestead taxes by signing a deferral form at your appraisal district. The taxes are not forgiven. They build 5 percent interest a year and must be paid when you leave the home.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Texas Comptroller / county appraisal districts |
| Facts | School districts must give a $140,000 homestead exemption, plus an added $60,000 exemption for owners age 65 or older or disabled (Tax Code 11.13)., At age 65 or older you may defer (postpone) homestead property taxes by filing a tax deferral affidavit with your appraisal district. Deferred taxes build 5 percent interest per year and are due when you no longer own and live in the home (Tax Code 33.06)., Apply for exemptions with your county appraisal district, normally by April 30. |
| Source | Texas Comptroller / county appraisal districts (comptroller.texas.gov) — checked November 8, 2026 |
Aging Services in Texas (Area Agencies on Aging)
Area Agencies on Aging, or AAAs, are local offices that help Texans age 60 and older and the people who care for them. They can help you find meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support, and benefits you may have missed. Texas has 28 AAAs. Call 800-252-9240 and you will be sent to the one for your county. Help is free.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Texas Health and Human Services Commission / Area Agencies on Aging |
| How to apply | Call 800-252-9240 to reach the AAA for your county. |
| Phone | 800-252-9240 |
| Facts | Texas has 28 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)., AAAs give information and referral, benefits counseling, legal help, caregiver support, meals, and help finding care at home. |
| Source | Texas Health and Human Services Commission / Area Agencies on Aging (www.hhs.texas.gov) — checked November 8, 2026 |
Free Medicare Counseling in Texas (HICAP / SHIP)
HICAP is the Texas name for SHIP, the free Medicare counseling program. Trained counselors can explain Medicare, compare plans, help with appeals, and check if you may qualify for programs that lower your costs. They do not sell insurance. Call 800-252-9240 to reach a counselor near you.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) — the Texas SHIP |
| Phone | 800-252-9240 |
| Facts | In Texas, the federal SHIP program is called HICAP., Trained benefits counselors at the Area Agencies on Aging give free, unbiased Medicare help in all 254 Texas counties. |
| Source | Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) — the Texas SHIP (www.hhs.texas.gov) — checked November 8, 2026 |
Applying for Benefits in Texas (HHSC)
Most Texas benefit programs run through one agency, Texas Health and Human Services. You can apply for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare Savings Programs in one place at YourTexasBenefits.com. You can also apply at a local benefits office. Bring proof of who you are, where you live, your income, and your bank accounts. The agency makes the final decision.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) |
| How to apply | Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, by phone, or in person at a local HHSC benefits office. One application can check SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs. |
| Source | Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) (www.hhs.texas.gov) — checked November 8, 2026 |
Good to know in Texas
- Texas is an income-cap state for Medicaid long-term care: a Miller Trust (Qualified Income Trust) may be needed when income is over the cap.
- STAR+PLUS is the Texas Medicaid managed care program for older adults and people with disabilities.
- Texas has a Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP) that may seek repayment for some long-term care costs after death.
- Texas has not expanded Medicaid for low-income adults without disabilities.
- Homeowners age 65 or older may defer property taxes on their homestead at 5 percent yearly interest.
- Texas has 28 Area Agencies on Aging. Call 800-252-9240 to reach the one for your county.
- Energy help in Texas is called the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).
Benefits offices by city in Texas
Free local help
Three national programs connect you to help in your own community, at no cost: