State Benefits
Click the tabs below to learn more about each service:
2-1-1 is a state-wide social service directory that provides information and referrals to state programs and various local non-profits. A live person will help you find assistance in your area. You can also visit 2-1-1 online: www.211Texas.org
Texas Medicaid is a healthcare plan available to low-income families. Different Texas counties offer various Managed Care plans (like HMOs). Please contact the Therapy 2000 Business Office at 214-467-9787 to find out which plans Therapy 2000 accepts/does not accept.
To apply, contact: 2-1-1, 1-877-541-7905, or www.yourtexasbenefits.com
Medicaid Buy In Program is a program for families whose incomes are too high for regular Medicaid. Families pay low (income-based) monthly premiums to receive Medicaid benefits. The applying individual must meet the same medical necessity criteria for SSI; the individual must have supporting documentation demonstrating that their disability is expected to impair their daily functioning for at least a year or more.
To apply, contact: 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905 or https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/children-adults-disabilities/medicaid-buy-children
Medicaid Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP) is a program that pays an individual’s private insurance premiums if they also have Medicaid.
To apply, contact: 1-800-440-0493 or https://hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/health-insurance-premium-payment-hipp-program
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides financial help for low-income children and their parents or relatives who are living with them. Monthly cash payments help pay for food, clothing, housing, utilities, furniture, transportation, telephone, laundry, household equipment, medical supplies not paid for by Medicaid, and other basic needs.
To apply, contact: 2-1-1, 1-877-541-7905, or www.yourtexasbenefits.com
Program overview: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/lone-star-card
Food Stamps (SNAP) is a program that helps people with low incomes and resources buy the food they need for good health. Families are allocated funds on a debit card called a “Lone Star Card” that is accepted at participating locations.
To apply, contact: 2-1-1, 1-877-541-7905, or www.yourtexasbenefits.com
Program overview: http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/help/Food/snap.shtml
Personal Care Services (PCS) is a respite program under Medicaid that provides attendant care contingent on income and medical necessity (if a child needs assistance with basic activities of daily living and the caregiver is not able to provide this and/or needs assistance providing this).
To apply, contact: 1-888-276-0702
Program Overview: www.dshs.state.tx.us/region1/documents/tmp-personalCareservices.pdf
Transportation Services vary across counties. Contact 2-1-1 for a local provider or visit the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Find a Ride”: http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/public-transportation/find-ride.html
*Medicaid reimburses trips to the doctor and other medical appointments.
To apply for the reimbursement program, contact: 1-877-633-8747 (1-877-MED-TRIP). You may also contact LogistiCare of Texas, 1-855-687-3255.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that pays monthly benefits to adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Children who have SSI automatically qualify for STAR Kids Medicaid. The applying individual must have supporting documentation demonstrating that their disability is expected to impair their daily functioning for at least a year or more.
To apply, contact: 1-800-772-1213, www.socialsecurity.gov (click on Benefits tab, and then Supplemental Security Income)
Medicaid Waivers are programs under the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) that provide supplemental services for children and adults with disabilities, such as respite care, therapy services, home modifications, vehicle modifications, nursing care, etc. Waiting Lists are often very long (lasting several years) but may be bypassed through a program called Rider 28 (aka Money Follows the Person), which involves a brief stay in a nursing home. Ages 20 and under may qualify for MDCP (Medically Dependent Children’s Program), CLASS (Community Living Assistance and Support Services), and Home and Community Based Services (HCS), to name a few. Ages 21 and up may qualify for CLASS, HCS, and Community Based Alternatives (CBA). Families must update their contact information and program interest yearly if they wish to remain on the waiting list. Once approved, families must renew their qualification status/approval yearly.
To apply, contact: 1-877-438-5658 or 1-888-337-6377 or
Guardianship is a legal process designed to protect vulnerable persons from abuse, neglect (including self-neglect), and exploitation. Guardianship provides for the person’s care and management of his or her money while preserving, to the largest extent possible, that person’s independence and right to make decisions affecting his or her life. If an individual who is 18 or older cannot cognitively make decisions for himself or herself, a legal guardian must be appointed to oversee that individual’s care. Parents and relatives of these individuals may apply for guardianship; if they don’t, the state may appoint a guardian of their choosing.
Resources:
Health and Human Services Commission:
https://hhs.texas.gov/laws-regulations/legal-information/guardianship
Texas Guardianship Association: http://texasguardianship.org/
Texas Parent to Parent: www.txp2p.org
If you cannot find the information or help you are looking for on either of these lists, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713 484 8870and we can help to connect you with the services you need.