In a Nutshell

With its vast landscapes and booming economy, Texas is known for its independent spirit and big ambitions. Yet beneath the prosperity, many Texans are grappling with the pressures of a rising cost of living.

With 14% of households earning below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), basic expenses like housing, food, and healthcare are becoming harder to afford, creating financial strain for many across the Lone Star State.

To help residents meet these challenges, Texas offers several financial assistance programs to provide essential support. These programs range from cash aid and nutrition support to healthcare and housing assistance to lift the weight off Texas families struggling to make ends meet.

Discover how Texas financial assistance programs can help you meet today’s challenges and how to access these essential resources to build a brighter tomorrow.

Government Assistance Programs in Texas

In response to growing financial hardships, Texas provides numerous government assistance programs to support residents struggling with economic challenges. These initiatives address essential needs, offering help with food, housing, healthcare, and cash aid to help meet the demands of everyday life.

Cash Assistance Programs

The state of Texas provides cash assistance to help low-income families cover essential needs. Eligible individuals receive a Lone Star Card, which works like a debit card through the Texas Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system. This card enables quick and convenient access to food and cash benefits, helping Texans pay for daily expenses.

  • Previously known as Aid to Families with Children (ADFC)
  • Monthly cash payments to help low-income families cover basic needs like food, clothing, housing, and utilities, as well as medical supplies not covered by Medicaid
  • Formerly the “Food Stamps” program, SNAP provides monthly benefits to help eligible individuals purchase healthy food
  • Most recipients between the ages of 16 and 59 must meet work requirements, such as job search or participation in an approved work program, to receive SNAP benefits

Texas Stimulus Checks

  • There are no new Texas stimulus checks for 2024
  • Texas doesn’t offer tax rebates or credits like the Child Tax Credit that could reduce tax liability
  • However, eligible residents who didn’t receive their IRS stimulus checks during the pandemic can still claim them by filing their 2020 or 2021 income tax returns by May 17, 2024

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance in Texas helps residents access essential health services through a wide range of programs designed to meet their individual needs.

  • Health coverage for low-income children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities
  • Services include regular checkups, prescription drugs, hospital care, and access to specialists
  • Medical, dental, vision, and mental health services for children and young adults under 20 with special health care needs
  • Coverage includes case management, special medical equipment and supplies, and family/community services

Pregnant and Single Mother Programs

In Texas, programs for pregnant and single mothers are designed to offer essential support, helping moms-to-be and single parents overcome the challenges of pregnancy, parenting, and achieving financial stability.

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and families with children under five
  • Benefits include healthy food, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, cooking classes, and more to promote healthy development
  • A service from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission that helps connect pregnant women and moms with local resources
  • Offers assistance for basic needs such as food, housing, child care, crisis counseling, and more

Child Care Services

Texas child care assistance helps parents balance work or education while ensuring their children receive quality care in a supportive environment.

  • Financial assistance for child day care to help eligible parents work, attend school, or job training
  • Supports child care providers through Texas Rising Star and Pre-K Partnership programs to improve care quality and expand options
  • Educates parents on Texas child care laws and regulations to help them make informed decisions
  • Helps families find the best fit for their children’s needs

Food Assistance

Food assistance programs in Texas ensure that families and individuals in need can access nutritious meals as part of a variety of state-supported initiatives.

  • Free meals for children and teens (18 and under) in low-income areas during the summer months 
  • Aims to connect youth with healthy food options when school is not in session
  • Offers a more straightforward SNAP application process for households with all members aged 60+ or with disabilities
  • Provides a three-year benefits certification (instead of six months), with no renewal interview required for eligible participants

Veterans’ Assistance

Assistance for veterans is available through the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), which serves as the state-appointed advocate for those who have served. TVC ensures that veterans, their families, and survivors receive the benefits they’ve earned for their service.

The commission’s goal is to significantly improve the quality of life for Texas veterans by offering essential services, including:

  • Claims Assistance: Aiding veterans and their families in navigating disability benefits and rights
  • Education: Connecting veterans to higher education and technical training opportunities
  • Employment: Offering job placement services for veterans and helping employers find qualified veteran applicants
  • Women Veterans: Helping women veterans find help from local, state, and federal agencies
  • Health Care Advocacy: Assisting veterans with VA health care issues

Elderly and Disabled Adult Programs

Elderly and disabled adult programs in Texas provide valuable resources to help seniors and people with disabilities access the support they need for daily living and long-term care.

  • Provide resources for adults 60+, their family members, and caregivers
  • Services include benefits counseling, nutrition programs, Ombudsman initiative, legal aid, care coordination, and in-home support services
  • Coordinates access to Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) like in-home assistance, transportation, and home healthcare
  • Uses a person-centered approach to simplify decision-making for individuals and caregivers
  • Serves as a central access point where residents of all ages, incomes, and disabilities can access long-term services across Texas, offering information, referrals, and one-on-one counseling
  • Promotes independence by connecting people to community-based care and support options

Utility Bill Assistance

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) provides utility bill assistance through local organizations to support residents facing financial hardship. The TDHCA helps connect Texans to essential resources like rental assistance and energy bill support.

Residents can use the TDHCA’s Help for Texans tool to find nearby assistance programs and services like:

  • Utility bill payment help
  • Weatherization
  • Home repairs and modifications
  • Tenant support and public housing
  • Mortgage loans and down payment/closing cost assistance

Assistance for Unemployment

Texas offers unemployment assistance programs to help individuals facing job loss or reduced hours. These resources provide financial support and job search tools to help Texans regain employment stability.

  • Temporary income replacement for eligible workers who are unemployed or have reduced work hours through no fault of their own
  • Services include applying for benefits, checking claim status, and requesting payments
  • Extensive job database with job-matching services and alerts for potential opportunities
  • Allows jobseekers to create resumes, apply for Texas state agency jobs, and track their applications online

Housing and Homelessness Assistance

The state of Texas offers housing and homelessness assistance to support individuals and families in securing safe, stable, and affordable housing.

  • Provides outreach, mental health, and substance use referrals, case management, and limited housing support for adults facing homelessness or housing insecurity
  • Offers job placement, educational support, and connections to primary healthcare for individuals with mental health or substance use challenges
  • The Texas Rent Relief (TRR) program has helped thousands of households with up to 18 months of rent and utility assistance for past due, current, and future payments.
  • Though not currently accepting applications, TRR was launched statewide in 2021 to provide emergency relief for tenants and landlords affected by the pandemic
  • Texas residents can check for updates online
  • Assists low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals in accessing safe, affordable housing in the private market
  • Pays a housing subsidy directly to landlords, allowing participants to cover the remaining rent; vouchers may also be used toward purchasing a modest home under certain conditions

Transportation Assistance

Divorce and Other Legal Assistance

  • The Texas State Law Library offers a comprehensive list of legal hotlines, clinics, and aid organizations for free or low-cost legal help
  • TexasLawHelp.org provides Texans with free legal information, advice, and resources, especially for those in need

Nonprofit Assistance Programs in Texas

Across the Lone Star State, nonprofits work tirelessly to deliver vital resources to Texans navigating financial struggles. Nonprofit assistance programs offer a lifeline to those in need by providing essentials like food, housing, medical care, and more, making a meaningful difference where needed most.

  • Strengthens Texas communities by supporting volunteerism, nonprofit assistance, and community leadership programs
  • Plays a key role in disaster response, AmeriCorps initiatives, and helping local organizations address critical issues like poverty, education, and healthcare
  • Connects residents to food assistance, SNAP, and other nutrition programs to ensure that all Texans have access to essential food resources
  • Comprehensive list of funding opportunities for an array of necessities, from financial support and housing to disaster relief and basic needs
  • Grants are available across various sectors, including education, healthcare, research, and entrepreneurship, offering resources for diverse community projects

How Do You Get Financial Help in Texas?

While Texas offers valuable financial assistance programs, these options may not be enough to tackle substantial debt burdens like high credit card balances or unexpected medical bills. When the strain of debt becomes overwhelming, partnering with a reputable debt relief company like TurboDebt could be a game changer.

TurboDebt provides effective Texas debt relief programs for residents looking for tailored assistance. In 2023 alone, thousands of clients saved an average of 53% on their total debt before fees by working with us.

Here’s why TurboDebt is an excellent choice for debt relief:

  • No upfront fees to get started
  • Potential savings of 50% or more on your total debt (before fees) with our debt settlement program
  • Become debt-free in as little as 12–48 months
  • No new loans or lines of credit as part of your debt relief program
  • Top-rated customer service, with over 17,000+ 5-star TurboDebt reviews from satisfied clients

Take control of your financial future today. Contact TurboDebt for a free consultation to see how we can help you achieve the relief you deserve!