TDHCA
CEAP Cooling Component
Summer-only cooling assistance critical in heat-wave seasons.
Open program page◢ South region · Capital: Austin
Texas grants &
benefits, all in one place.
Every federal program is administered through Texas state agencies, often with state-specific names, eligibility tiers, and seasonal windows. This page lists how to access each one, plus the Texas-only programs that stack on top.
Population30,503,301
Programs tracked142+
PostalTX
◢ Texas eligibility estimator
What programs do you likely qualify for in Texas?
Drop in your household size and income. The estimator returns programs your number is likely under, using the lower 48 federal poverty schedule.
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Programs in Texas
SNAP (food assistance)
≤130% FPLGross income test, Texas · Income limit: $34,645/yr
Medicaid (expansion adults)
≤138% FPLTexas did not expand Medicaid; limit is much lower for adults · Income limit: $36,777/yr
LIHEAP energy assistance
≤150% FPLState variant; some use 60% state median income · Income limit: $39,975/yr
WIC (children under 5, pregnant)
≤185% FPLAuto-eligible if on SNAP or Medicaid · Income limit: $49,303/yr
Lifeline phone + ACP internet
≤200% FPLFederal program through any participating carrier · Income limit: $53,300/yr
Reduced-price school meals
≤185% FPLFree meals at 130% FPL · Income limit: $49,303/yr
ACA Marketplace subsidies
≤400% FPLStrongest subsidies below 250% FPL · Income limit: $106,600/yr
Estimator only — final eligibility includes asset, citizenship, and category tests. Texas did not expand Medicaid, so adult Medicaid limits are much lower than 138% FPL.
◢ Where to apply
Core Texas agencies.
Most assistance programs in Texas flow through one of these state agencies. Bookmark the ones relevant to you.
Combined benefits portal
Your Texas Benefits
Texas's one-stop application portal for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and other state benefits.
www.yourtexasbenefits.com/
Energy assistance
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
State LIHEAP program. Apply at the start of the heating season; funds run out before the published deadline.
www.tdhca.texas.gov/community-affairs/ceap/
SNAP food assistance
Texas SNAP
Federal SNAP run by the state. Average benefit is about $202 per person per month.
www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits
Health coverage
Texas Medicaid
State Medicaid program. Children's CHIP coverage typically extends to higher income limits.
www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip
Housing
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
State housing finance agency. Section 8 vouchers are issued by local PHAs in each county.
www.tdhca.texas.gov/
◢ State-specific programs
Programs unique to Texas.
These programs only exist in Texas. They stack on top of federal benefits and use different income rules.
Texas HHSC
Lone Star Card SNAP
Texas's EBT card. SNAP processed via the same Your Texas Benefits portal.
Open program page◢ By need category
Federal programs accessed in Texas.
Every federal program below is available to Texas residents through state-administered offices. Click any category for the full eligibility breakdown.
◢ Texas questions
Common questions about Texas programs.
Apply through Your Texas Benefits, Texas's official benefits portal. The same application typically covers Medicaid and TANF. Most decisions arrive within 30 days, faster for expedited cases.
Texas's LIHEAP runs as Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Apply through the state's energy assistance office during the program's seasonal window. Crisis benefits process within 48 hours.
Yes. Texas runs 2 notable state-specific programs including CEAP Cooling Component. State-funded programs often have different income limits than federal versions.
Texas sets Medicaid income limits within federal rules. For non-disabled adults the cap is typically 138% of the federal poverty level if the state expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Children's CHIP coverage extends higher, often 200% FPL or more.
Call 211 first. The United Way line will route you to local Emergency Rental Assistance funds, Texas Community Action Agencies, and faith-based emergency funds active in your county. Most local funds process applications faster than state programs.
Editorial disclaimer
GrantsHubUSA is an independent editorial blog. We are not the Texas government, and we do not administer these programs. Always confirm current eligibility, deadlines, and contact details with the state agency before applying. See our full disclaimer.
◢ Skip the reading
Find your shortlist.
Four questions, your personalized list of programs you likely qualify for in Texas. No email required.