Benefit programs in Texas (2026)
For families in Texas we check every federal program below, then map your state's own programs and point you to the office that runs each one.
We don't put a dollar figure on most of Texas's own programs yet. Those amounts depend on rules we haven't finished checking against official sources. What you get instead is the program, its official source, and who to call. Federal amounts are computed for every state, including yours.
Texas families can get Medicaid help with care at home through 7 Medicaid home and community-based services waivers that pay for care in your own home instead of a nursing facility. Texas also has a confirmed property-tax relief program for seniors, the Age 65 or Older or Disabled Persons Residence Homestead Exemption (Tax Code Sec. 11.13(c), (d)). Its confirmed benefit is quoted in the program's own official wording further down this page. Texas also runs a LIHEAP energy-assistance program that covers heating and cooling costs together. Figures checked against official sources, last on 2026-08-05.
Does Texas Medicaid pay for care at home?
Yes. Texas runs 7 Medicaid home & community-based services waivers, including "TX Community Living Assistance & Support Services (CLASS) Waiver (0221.R07.00)" and "TX Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities Waiver (0281.R06.00)". These pay for care in your own home instead of a nursing facility. We have no confirmed dollar figure for what they pay. Amounts depend on an assessment, and most waivers have waiting lists. Ask Texas Medicaid, or call 1-855-937-2372.
- TX Community Living Assistance & Support Services (CLASS) Waiver (0221.R07.00)
- TX Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities Waiver (0281.R06.00)
- TX Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Program Waiver (0110.R08.00)
- TX Home Living Program Waiver (0403.R04.00)
- TX Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) Waiver (0181.R07.00)
- TX Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver (0657.R03.00)
- WAIVER TERMINATED - TX Community Based Alternatives (0266.R04.00)
What property tax relief is available to seniors in Texas?
Texas has a confirmed property-tax relief program for seniors: the Age 65 or Older or Disabled Persons Residence Homestead Exemption (Tax Code Sec. 11.13(c), (d)). Additional $60,000 school district homestead exemption (mandatory, Sec. 11.13(c)), stacked on top of the general $140,000. LOCAL OPTION: any taxing unit may adopt an additional exemption of at least $3,000 (Sec. 11.13(d)). A surviving spouse age 55+ may retain the local-option exemption. A disabled person age 65+ may receive both the age-65 and disability exemptions but not from the same taxing unit. That figure is confirmed against Texas's own official page (last checked 2026-08-05). Texas runs 8 property-tax relief programs that seniors may qualify for in total. See the full list below, or call your state's Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-855-937-2372 and ask which apply to you.
12 programs in Texas. Each description below is drawn from its linked source and shown in full: the tag next to each name marks its source tier (GOV/GOV PDF: the program's own official page, ANALYSIS/IND: a secondary source).
Property-tax figures last checked against official sources on 2026-08-05. See how we verify figures.
| Program | Benefit | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| General Residence Homestead Exemption (Tax Code Sec. 11.13(b), (n), (a)) GOV VERIFIED | $140,000 of the home's appraised value is exempt from school district taxes (mandatory, Sec. 11.13(b)). LOCAL OPTION: any taxing unit may exempt up to 20% of appraised value (minimum $5,000) under Sec. 11.13(n). Counties that collect farm-to-market or flood-control taxes must give an additional $3,000 exemption (Sec. 11.13(a)). | Official source → |
| Age 65 or Older or Disabled Persons Residence Homestead Exemption (Tax Code Sec. 11.13(c), (d)) GOV VERIFIED | Additional $60,000 school district homestead exemption (mandatory, Sec. 11.13(c)), stacked on top of the general $140,000. LOCAL OPTION: any taxing unit may adopt an additional exemption of at least $3,000 (Sec. 11.13(d)). A surviving spouse age 55+ may retain the local-option exemption. A disabled person age 65+ may receive both the age-65 and disability exemptions but not from the same taxing unit. | Official source → |
| School District Tax Ceiling / Tax Limitation for Age 65+ or Disabled (Tax Code Sec. 11.26) GOV PDF | Mandatory. Freezes (caps) school district taxes on the residence homestead at the dollar amount imposed in the first year the owner qualified for the age-65+/disabled exemption; the ceiling cannot rise thereafter except for new improvements, as long as the owner lives in the home. A surviving spouse age 55+ retains the ceiling, and the percentage of tax paid can be transferred to a replacement homestead. Not an exemption; does not change appraised/taxable value. | Official source → |
| Optional County / City / Junior College Tax Ceiling for Age 65+ or Disabled (Tax Code Sec. 11.261) GOV PDF | LOCAL OPTION. A county, city, or junior college district may adopt (by governing-body action or voter petition/election) a tax ceiling that freezes its portion of the homestead tax for age-65+ or disabled owners at the first-qualifying-year amount. Once adopted it cannot be rescinded; a surviving spouse age 55+ retains it and the benefit is transferable within that taxing unit. | Official source → |
| Tax Deferral for Age 65 or Older or Disabled Homeowners (Tax Code Sec. 33.06) GOV PDF | Eligible owners may postpone (defer) payment of all current and delinquent homestead property taxes while they own and occupy the home. Taxes are deferred, NOT cancelled: deferred taxes accrue 5% interest per year and, together with the deferred principal, become due when the owner (or surviving spouse) no longer owns or lives in the home. Filing the deferral affidavit halts any foreclosure/collection lawsuit and prevents delinquency penalties during the deferral. A surviving spouse who was at least 55 at the deceased owner's death may continue the deferral. | Official source → |
| Disabled Veteran Exemption (partial, any one property) (Tax Code Sec. 11.22) GOV VERIFIED | Partial exemption applied to any ONE property the veteran owns, scaled by VA disability rating: 10%-29% rating = $5,000; 30%-49% = $7,500; 50%-69% = $10,000; 70%-100% = $12,000. A veteran who is age 65+ with at least a 10% rating, OR is totally blind in one or both eyes, OR has lost use of one or more limbs, qualifies for $12,000 regardless of rating. A surviving spouse of a member who dies on active duty may claim a $5,000 exemption on any one property. | Official source → |
| 100 Percent Disabled Veteran Residence Homestead Exemption (Tax Code Sec. 11.131) GOV | TOTAL (100%) exemption of the residence homestead's entire appraised value. Extends to a surviving spouse who has not remarried, provided the property was and remains the surviving spouse's residence homestead. | Official source → |
| Donated Residence Homestead of a Partially Disabled Veteran (Tax Code Sec. 11.132) GOV | Homestead exemption equal in PERCENTAGE to the veteran's VA disability rating (e.g., 60% rating = 60% of value exempt). The same percentage extends to a surviving spouse who has not remarried if the home was and remains the surviving spouse's homestead. | Official source → |
| Surviving Spouse of U.S. Armed Services Member Killed or Fatally Injured in the Line of Duty (Tax Code Sec. 11.133) GOV | TOTAL (100%) exemption of the residence homestead, provided the surviving spouse has not remarried since the service member's death. | Official source → |
| Surviving Spouse of a Veteran Who Died from a Qualifying Condition or Disease (Tax Code Sec. 11.136) GOV | TOTAL (100%) exemption of the residence homestead, regardless of the veteran's disability rating at the time of death, provided the surviving spouse has not remarried. | Official source → |
| Surviving Spouse of a First Responder Killed in the Line of Duty (Tax Code Sec. 11.134) GOV | TOTAL (100%) exemption of the residence homestead, provided the surviving spouse has not remarried since the first responder's death. | Official source → |
| Residence Homestead Appraised-Value Limitation ('10% homestead cap') (Tax Code Sec. 23.23) GOV | Caps the annual increase in a homestead's appraised (taxable) value at 10% of the prior year's appraised value, plus the market value of any new improvements. Applies to any property granted a residence homestead exemption, beginning Jan. 1 of the tax year after the owner first qualifies. This is a value limitation, not a tax freeze; the mandatory 65+/disabled tax freeze is Sec. 11.26 above. | Official source → |
General Residence Homestead Exemption (Tax Code Sec. 11.13(b), (n), (a)) GOV VERIFIED
- Benefit
$140,000 of the home's appraised value is exempt from school district taxes (mandatory, Sec. 11.13(b)). LOCAL OPTION: any taxing unit may exempt up to 20% of appraised value (minimum $5,000) under Sec. 11.13(n). Counties that collect farm-to-market or flood-control taxes must give an additional $3,000 exemption (Sec. 11.13(a)).
- Official source
- Official source →
Age 65 or Older or Disabled Persons Residence Homestead Exemption (Tax Code Sec. 11.13(c), (d)) GOV VERIFIED
- Benefit
Additional $60,000 school district homestead exemption (mandatory, Sec. 11.13(c)), stacked on top of the general $140,000. LOCAL OPTION: any taxing unit may adopt an additional exemption of at least $3,000 (Sec. 11.13(d)). A surviving spouse age 55+ may retain the local-option exemption. A disabled person age 65+ may receive both the age-65 and disability exemptions but not from the same taxing unit.
- Official source
- Official source →
School District Tax Ceiling / Tax Limitation for Age 65+ or Disabled (Tax Code Sec. 11.26) GOV PDF
- Benefit
Mandatory. Freezes (caps) school district taxes on the residence homestead at the dollar amount imposed in the first year the owner qualified for the age-65+/disabled exemption; the ceiling cannot rise thereafter except for new improvements, as long as the owner lives in the home. A surviving spouse age 55+ retains the ceiling, and the percentage of tax paid can be transferred to a replacement homestead. Not an exemption; does not change appraised/taxable value.
- Official source
- Official source →
Optional County / City / Junior College Tax Ceiling for Age 65+ or Disabled (Tax Code Sec. 11.261) GOV PDF
- Benefit
LOCAL OPTION. A county, city, or junior college district may adopt (by governing-body action or voter petition/election) a tax ceiling that freezes its portion of the homestead tax for age-65+ or disabled owners at the first-qualifying-year amount. Once adopted it cannot be rescinded; a surviving spouse age 55+ retains it and the benefit is transferable within that taxing unit.
- Official source
- Official source →
Tax Deferral for Age 65 or Older or Disabled Homeowners (Tax Code Sec. 33.06) GOV PDF
- Benefit
Eligible owners may postpone (defer) payment of all current and delinquent homestead property taxes while they own and occupy the home. Taxes are deferred, NOT cancelled: deferred taxes accrue 5% interest per year and, together with the deferred principal, become due when the owner (or surviving spouse) no longer owns or lives in the home. Filing the deferral affidavit halts any foreclosure/collection lawsuit and prevents delinquency penalties during the deferral. A surviving spouse who was at least 55 at the deceased owner's death may continue the deferral.
- Official source
- Official source →
Disabled Veteran Exemption (partial, any one property) (Tax Code Sec. 11.22) GOV VERIFIED
- Benefit
Partial exemption applied to any ONE property the veteran owns, scaled by VA disability rating: 10%-29% rating = $5,000; 30%-49% = $7,500; 50%-69% = $10,000; 70%-100% = $12,000. A veteran who is age 65+ with at least a 10% rating, OR is totally blind in one or both eyes, OR has lost use of one or more limbs, qualifies for $12,000 regardless of rating. A surviving spouse of a member who dies on active duty may claim a $5,000 exemption on any one property.
- Official source
- Official source →
100 Percent Disabled Veteran Residence Homestead Exemption (Tax Code Sec. 11.131) GOV
- Benefit
TOTAL (100%) exemption of the residence homestead's entire appraised value. Extends to a surviving spouse who has not remarried, provided the property was and remains the surviving spouse's residence homestead.
- Official source
- Official source →
Donated Residence Homestead of a Partially Disabled Veteran (Tax Code Sec. 11.132) GOV
- Benefit
Homestead exemption equal in PERCENTAGE to the veteran's VA disability rating (e.g., 60% rating = 60% of value exempt). The same percentage extends to a surviving spouse who has not remarried if the home was and remains the surviving spouse's homestead.
- Official source
- Official source →
Surviving Spouse of U.S. Armed Services Member Killed or Fatally Injured in the Line of Duty (Tax Code Sec. 11.133) GOV
- Benefit
TOTAL (100%) exemption of the residence homestead, provided the surviving spouse has not remarried since the service member's death.
- Official source
- Official source →
Surviving Spouse of a Veteran Who Died from a Qualifying Condition or Disease (Tax Code Sec. 11.136) GOV
- Benefit
TOTAL (100%) exemption of the residence homestead, regardless of the veteran's disability rating at the time of death, provided the surviving spouse has not remarried.
- Official source
- Official source →
Surviving Spouse of a First Responder Killed in the Line of Duty (Tax Code Sec. 11.134) GOV
- Benefit
TOTAL (100%) exemption of the residence homestead, provided the surviving spouse has not remarried since the first responder's death.
- Official source
- Official source →
Residence Homestead Appraised-Value Limitation ('10% homestead cap') (Tax Code Sec. 23.23) GOV
- Benefit
Caps the annual increase in a homestead's appraised (taxable) value at 10% of the prior year's appraised value, plus the market value of any new improvements. Applies to any property granted a residence homestead exemption, beginning Jan. 1 of the tax year after the owner first qualifies. This is a value limitation, not a tax freeze; the mandatory 65+/disabled tax freeze is Sec. 11.26 above.
- Official source
- Official source →
How much heating bill help can I get in Texas?
Up to $12,600 toward heating and cooling bills combined. That is the FY 2026 maximum Texas's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) publishes for heating and cooling combined. Most households get less. This is the ceiling, not a typical amount. A separate crisis benefit of up to $1,800 is available if your service is about to be shut off. Source: https://liheapch.acf.gov/profiles/Texas.htm
| Program | Benefit | Published maximum | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | Help with heating bills, plus emergency help if service is at risk. Covers heating and cooling combined. Emergency crisis help is available. | In Texas the published maximum for heating and cooling combined is $12,600. Crisis maximum: $1,800. | Official source → |
Retirement income tax
Social Security in Texas: Texas has NO state (or local) personal income tax; the Texas Comptroller's 'Field Guide to the Taxes of Texas' states: 'Texans pay federal income taxes but not state or local income taxes.' A personal income tax is also constitutionally barred (Texas Constitution Art. 8, Sec. 24-a, added by Prop 4 in 2019). Consequently Social Security benefits are not taxed by the state. NOTE: Because there is no state income tax, Texas has no income-based property tax circuit-breaker credit and no state renter's credit.
Pensions, IRAs, and 401(k)s: No state income tax exists, so pensions, IRA distributions, and 401(k)/other retirement-plan income are entirely untaxed at the state level. No age- or income-based exclusion is needed or offered because there is no income tax to exclude income from. (Only federal income tax applies to such distributions.)
Official source →Federal programs: checked in Texas too
These are computed for every family, wherever they live.
VA Aid & Attendance
An extra monthly VA payment for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need daily help.
Medicare Savings Programs
State help that pays your Medicare premiums, and sometimes deductibles and copays.
Medicare Extra Help
Lowers what you pay for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D.
SNAP (food support)
Monthly money for groceries. Older adults often qualify for more than they expect.
Social Security & SSI
Checks whether the person may be missing Social Security or Supplemental Security Income.
Federal tax credits
Credits and deductions families miss, including medical expenses and the credit for the elderly or disabled.
Medicare before 65
Medicare eligibility for people under 65 through a disability.
Who do I call in Texas for help with elder care?
Call your state's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 1-855-937-2372. They're the free, no-wrong-door starting point for home care, respite and other long-term-care options in Texas. If someone is unsafe, neglected or being exploited, Adult Protective Services can help at 800-252-5400.
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) / No Wrong Door
Free help understanding your options.
1-855-937-2372Can Texas seniors freeze or defer their property taxes?
Yes. Texas lets eligible seniors freeze or defer their property taxes through "Tax Deferral for Age 65 or Older or Disabled Homeowners (Tax Code Sec. 33.06)". We don't have a single confirmed dollar figure for this mechanism. The amount depends on your tax bill, not a flat cap. See the property-tax table above for the program's own official wording.
Is there emergency help with heating bills in Texas?
Yes. Texas's LIHEAP program offers up to $1,800 in emergency crisis assistance if your heat or utility service is about to be shut off. That's separate from the regular heating-bill maximum described above and is meant for a true emergency, like a shutoff notice or an empty tank. See the LIHEAP source link above for how to apply.
Which of these fits your family?
Being on this list doesn't mean your family qualifies. That depends on income, savings, care needs and service history. The free check works out which ones are worth your time, in about four minutes.
Not legal or medical advice. Benefits vary. Figures are estimates.
Nearby states
Expanding Texas is one of the states we're currently deepening: more of its rules are being checked against official sources.