Texas Caregiver Support Programs and Resources (2026)

Last verified: March 2026. These figures may change. Check the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (2-1-1) for the most current details.

Key Takeaways

• Texas offers multiple free and low-cost caregiver support programs, including respite care, training, counseling, and financial assistance through Medicaid, the VA, and local aging agencies
• Through Medicaid STAR+PLUS Consumer Directed Services, family members can get paid approximately $13/hour to provide care, though the waitlist stretches years
• Texas's 28 Area Agencies on Aging provide free respite care, individual counseling, support groups, and benefits counseling to caregivers of adults 60 and older
• The VA's PCAFC program gives eligible caregivers of veterans a monthly stipend, health insurance, and at least 30 days of respite per year
• Call 2-1-1 or your local Aging and Disability Resource Center at 855-937-2372 to find programs you qualify for today

In This Guide

• Can You Get Paid to Care for a Family Member?
• Free Caregiver Support Through Your AAA
• VA Programs for Veteran Caregivers
• Training Programs for Caregivers
• Dementia and Alzheimer's Caregiver Support
• How to Find Help Near You
• FAQ

If you're caring for a parent, spouse, or other family member in Texas, you already know how much it takes out of you. About one in five Texans are caregivers, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. You're not alone in this, even when it feels that way.

The good news: Texas has real programs that can help with the parts of caregiving that feel impossible. Money. Time off. Training. Someone to talk to who gets it. This guide covers every major Texas caregiver support program available in 2026, who qualifies, and how to connect. You can chat with Brevy to check your eligibility in a few minutes.

Important: The figures and rules described here are based on current data from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligibility rules change frequently. Contact Texas HHS at 2-1-1 or a Medicaid planning attorney to verify current requirements for your situation.

Can You Get Paid to Care for a Family Member in Texas?

Yes. If your loved one qualifies for Medicaid STAR+PLUS, the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option lets them hire you as their paid caregiver.

How CDS Works

Your family member (or their authorized representative) becomes the employer. They hire you, set your schedule, and determine your duties within their approved care plan. You don't have to worry about payroll or taxes. A Financial Management Services Agency (FMSA) handles all of that, processing pay at least twice a month.

What you can expect to earn: The average attendant hourly wage is $13.00 per hour (effective September 1, 2025), plus 14% for payroll taxes and benefits. CDS covers personal assistance services, in-home respite, skilled nursing, and therapies.

Adult children and grandchildren can be hired as caregivers through CDS. Spouses can't.

Do You Qualify?

Your loved one must be enrolled in STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). That means they need to meet all of these:

• Monthly income at or below $2,901 (300% of the Federal Benefit Rate)
• Assets at or below $2,000 for a single applicant
• Nursing facility level of care
• Living at home, not in a facility

One thing to know: STAR+PLUS HCBS isn't an entitlement program. There's a statewide interest list (waitlist), and the anticipated wait stretches many years. Approximately 24,000 people are served per year. Apply as early as you can. The income verification step is where most applications stall, so have your bank statements and proof of income ready before you start.

How to Apply

Call HHSC at 1-877-438-5658 or apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com.

Free Texas Caregiver Support Through Your Area Agency on Aging

You don't need Medicaid to get help. Texas's 28 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) provide free services to caregivers of adults age 60 and older, funded through the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). Over 200,000 seniors are served annually through these agencies.

What AAAs Offer Caregivers

• Respite care so you can take a break from caregiving duties
• Individual counseling for one-on-one guidance
• Support groups with other caregivers who understand what you're going through
• Caregiver training and education through evidence-based programs
• Benefits counseling to help you figure out what financial programs you qualify for
• Supplemental services on a case-by-case basis

Who's Eligible?

The NFCSP covers adult family members caring for someone age 60 or older, caregivers of any age for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, and relatives age 55 or older caring for children under 18 or adults with disabilities. There's no income test. No waitlist.

Your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is another strong starting point. ADRCs serve all 254 Texas counties as part of the "No Wrong Door" system, meaning you can call one number and get connected to whatever help you need. They'll connect you with respite providers, benefits counseling, housing assistance, transportation, home-delivered meals, and emotional support.

Contact your AAA: 1-800-252-9240 Contact your ADRC: 855-YES-ADRC (855-937-2372)

VA Programs for Texas Veteran Caregivers

If your loved one is a veteran, the VA's caregiver programs offer some of the strongest benefits available anywhere.

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

If you're caring for a veteran with a VA disability rating of 70% or higher who needs at least six months of continuous in-person personal care, you may qualify for:

• A monthly stipend based on the GS-4 Step 1 pay scale for your locality, adjusted annually by OPM
• CHAMPVA health insurance if you don't have other coverage
• At least 30 days of respite care per year
• Mental health counseling and access to virtual psychotherapy
• Free legal and financial planning assistance
• Military commissary and exchange access

You must be at least 18 and either be a family member or live full-time with the veteran. Apply using VA Form 10-10CG online, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center. The VA has extended the transition period for legacy participants through September 30, 2028.

General Caregiver Support

Even if your veteran doesn't meet the PCAFC criteria, the VA's Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) offers peer support, skills training, and referrals to respite services for caregivers of any enrolled veteran. No application required.

VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET)

Training Programs to Build Your Caregiving Skills

Caregiving gets easier when you know what you're doing. And you don't have to figure it out alone. Texas offers free, evidence-based training programs through local AAAs.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

A six-week program for family caregivers of adults with chronic conditions. It's co-led by two trained facilitators, available in-person or remotely, and offered in English, Spanish, and Korean at no cost. The program met the highest-level criteria for evidence-based disease prevention programs as determined by ACL.

Participants report better self-care habits, reduced guilt and depression, stronger communication skills, and more confidence in handling caregiving demands. Contact the Central Texas or Texoma AAAs to find upcoming sessions.

Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers

An evidence-based intervention focused on problem-solving, education, and stress management. Available through the Golden Crescent, Heart of Texas, and Lower Rio Grande Valley AAAs.

Texas Lifespan Respite Care Program (Take Time Texas)

The Take Time Texas program, run by HHSC, provides respite care vouchers for in-home care, adult day care, and short-term facility stays through ADRCs. It's open to caregivers of individuals of any age with chronic health conditions or disabilities. From FY 2022 through FY 2023, 165 caregivers received 9,939 hours of respite through this program. Search for providers at respite.hhs.state.tx.us or call 855-937-2372.

Support for Dementia and Alzheimer's Caregivers

Caring for someone with dementia comes with challenges that other caregivers may not face. Texas has specialized organizations built around this community.

The Alzheimer's Association operates six regional chapters across Texas: Houston/Southeast, Dallas/Northeast, North Central, San Antonio/South, Capital Area/Central, and West/El Paso. They offer free support groups (in-person, virtual, and by phone), education programs, care consultation, and safety services. Their 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) serves callers in more than 200 languages.

Alzheimer's Texas focuses on Central Texas, offering consultations, early-stage support, caregiver training, and community respite development. Reach them 24/7 at 512-241-0420 or 1-800-367-2132.

In the Tyler area, the Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County (903-509-8323) runs support groups, day respite programs, and free memory screenings.

If you're caring for someone with dementia on your own, call one of these numbers today. Even one conversation with someone who understands your situation can change your week.

How to Find Caregiver Resources Near You

Texas has several free tools to connect you with caregiver resources in your area:

• Call 2-1-1 Texas. Free, 24/7 referrals to local resources statewide.
• Contact your ADRC at 855-YES-ADRC (855-937-2372). They cover all 254 Texas counties and will help you figure out what you qualify for.
• Use Take Time Texas at respite.hhs.state.tx.us to search for respite providers near you.
• Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to connect with your local AAA and community services.
• For veterans: Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.
• For Medicaid: Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 1-877-438-5658.

The Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program can also help if you're a caregiver maintaining employment. It assists families in paying employer-sponsored health insurance premiums for most Medicaid enrollees. Ask your ADRC or benefits counselor for details.

FAQ

Sources

1. Texas Health and Human Services Commission, "Support for Caregivers," hhs.texas.gov
2. Texas Health and Human Services Commission, "Caregiver Support Resources," hhs.texas.gov
3. Texas Health and Human Services Commission, "Aging Texas Well Strategic Plan 2024-2025," hhs.texas.gov
4. Texas Health and Human Services Commission, "STAR+PLUS," hhs.texas.gov
5. Texas Health and Human Services Commission, "Consumer Directed Services (STAR+PLUS Handbook)," hhs.texas.gov
6. Texas Health and Human Services Commission, "Aging and Disability Resource Centers," hhs.texas.gov
7. Administration for Community Living, "National Family Caregiver Support Program," acl.gov
8. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers," va.gov
9. Texas Department of State Health Services, "Resources and Support for Family Caregivers (Alzheimer's)," dshs.texas.gov
10. National Council on Aging, "Powerful Tools for Caregivers," ncoa.org

The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Medicaid rules vary by state and change frequently. Always verify eligibility and benefits with your state Medicaid agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.