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STRUGGLING
TEXAS
RESIDENTS 50+
TO WIN BACK
OPPORTUNITY
INFORMATION
TO HELP YOU:
Increase your
income
Save money
on prescription
drugs
Buy groceries
Cover other
basic costs
Program guidelines, telephone numbers, and websites are subject to change. For
the most up-to-date information in your state, log on to AARP Foundation Benefits
QuickLINK at: aarp.org/quicklink.
YOUR GUIDE
TO PUBLIC
BENEFITS IN
TEXAS
Who can apply: You must have limited income How to apply: For more information and to
and resources and be 65 years of age or older, find out how to apply, contact your regional
blind, and/or have a disability. In some cases, Texas Health and Human Services (THHS)
you can get Medicaid if you have high medical Commission at: 1-800-252-8263. To find your
bills. The income and resource guidelines local DHHS office and to apply online, go to:
can vary for the different types of Medicaid www.yourtexasbenefits.com/ssp/SSPHome/
programs available. ssphome.jsp.
State Property Tax Assistance at: 1-877-399-8939 (in-state only) or go to: www.
tdhca.state.tx.us/community-affairs/ceap/index.
Benefit: Texas has many programs that provide htm.
you with tax relief. Benefits can include
property tax exemptions, deferrals, and/or
installment plans.
Weatherization Assistance Program
(WAP)
Who can apply: Each property tax relief
program has its own program guidelines. Some Benefit: This program helps you conserve
of the rules include age, income and resources, energy and lower your energy bills by providing
and Veteran's status. free home energy repairs and services. You
can get help with insulation of doors, windows,
How to apply: For more information and to floors, walls, ducts, and water heaters. You can
find out how to get the benefits, call the Texas also get help modifying your furnace and other
Comptroller’s Office Property Tax Division at: heating devices to help them work better.
1-800-252-9121 or go to: www.window.state.tx.us
and under “Texas Taxes” click on “Property Who can apply: To get help from this program,
Tax.” you must have limited income. The program
does not look at your resources or assets when
reviewing your application.
Comprehensive Energy Assistance
Program (CEAP) How to apply: For more information and to find
out how to apply, contact the Texas Department
Benefit: CEAP provides your household with a of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA) at:
cash grant to help you meet your home heating 1-888-606-8889 (in-state only) or go to: www.
and cooling costs. The grants are paid either tdhca.state.tx.us/community-affairs/wap/index.
directly to you or to your energy company. htm.
Who can apply: You must have limited income
to get CEAP. In addition, you must pay your Telephone Assistance/Lifeline
own gas and/or electric bill (either directly or
Benefit: Lifeline offers monthly discounts on
included with your rent).
your basic wireless or home telephone service.
How to apply: For more information and to find The discounts can include a lower phone bill or
out how to apply, contact the Texas Department free wireless minutes.
of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
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YOUR GUIDE
TO PUBLIC
BENEFITS IN
TEXAS
Who can apply: You can get help if you have (SNAP), and/or Public Housing or Section 8.
limited income or are enrolled in one of the
How to apply: To get more information, call the
following programs: Medicaid, Supplemental
Universal Services Administration Company at:
Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance
1-888-641-8722 or go to: www.lifelinesupport.
for Needy Families (TANF), Low Income
org/ls.
Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP),
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
CASH INCOME
Social Security reduced if you take the benefit before you reach
full retirement age.
Benefit: Social Security offers you a cash benefit
based on your work history and the amount you To get the Social Security disability benefit,
paid into Social Security. The cash benefit helps you must have become severely disabled while
you meet your needs due to loss of income as working. You can get this benefit at any age
a result of retirement, disability, or death. You and must have met the work requirements. The
and your dependents or surviving spouse can number of quarters you will have needed to
receive the Social Security benefit. The benefit work depends on your age.
amount you will get depends on the earning How to apply: You can apply for Social Security
records for the person who worked. online at: www.socialsecurity.gov and click on
Who can apply: To get Social Security “Retirement” or “Disability.” You can also apply
retirement benefits, you must have met the in person at your local Social Security office.
work requirements and paid into the Social To find your local Social Security office, go to:
Security system. You can get the Social Security www.ssa.gov/pgm/reach.htm and click on "Find
retirement benefits starting as early as age 62. an Office" or call: 1-800-772-1213.
However, the benefit amount you get will be
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YOUR GUIDE
TO PUBLIC
BENEFITS IN
TEXAS
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) resources such as your home, car, and certain
portions of life insurance and burial accounts
Benefit: SSI provides a cash benefit to you every may not be counted when determining whether
month to make sure you have a minimum level you meet the program guidelines.
of income so that you can pay for basic needs
such as: food, clothing, and shelter. How to apply: You must make an appointment
at your local Social Security office to apply. You
Who can apply: You may get help from this can find your local Social Security office by
program if you are 65 years of age or older, calling: 1-800-772-1213 or go to: www.ssa.gov/
blind, or have a disability. In addition, you pgm/links_ssi.htm.
must have limited income and resources. Some
OTHER INFORMATION
Eldercare Locator Legal Help
The Eldercare Locator connects you to local If you need a lawyer but have limited resources,
sources of information for senior services. You contact the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in
can get help by calling: 1-800-677-1116 (hours of your area for help. To find your local AAA, call:
operation are Monday–Friday, 9 am–8 pm ET) or 1-800-252-9240 or go to: www.dads.state.tx.us/
visiting: www.eldercare.gov. contact/aaa.cfm. You can also call the Texas
Legal Services Center Legal Hotline at: 1-800-
Senior Information Help Line 622-2520 or go to: www.tlsc.org.
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