Low-Income Resources in Texas

This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.

Food resources
Housing and utilities
Child and family care
Healthcare resources
Crisis care
Debt help

Food resources

If you need help with groceries, start with SNAP in Texas. For WIC and local food pantries, the resources below can help you find a clear starting point. If you are unsure where to begin, see the Crisis care section for Texas 211.

SNAP (Food Benefits) — Texas Health and Human Services

Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Review eligibility and program details, then apply when ready.

Program overview: SNAP food benefits (Texas HHS)
Apply: YourTexasBenefits.com
Customer service: 877-541-7905

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Texas Health and Human Services

Helps with: Nutrition benefits, breastfeeding support, and referrals for eligible families.
How to start: Find a local WIC clinic and schedule an appointment.

Find WIC: Texas WIC
WIC Hotline: 800-942-3678

Find a food pantry — Feeding Texas

Helps with: Locating food banks, pantries, and meal programs across Texas.
How to start: Search by ZIP code or city.

Feeding Texas: Find food

Housing and utilities

If housing or utility bills are the main concern, Texas routes many assistance programs through state agencies and local partners. Energy assistance and rental help are typically administered locally.

Energy assistance (CEAP / LIHEAP) — Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

Helps with: Help paying heating and cooling energy bills for eligible households.
How to start: Find and contact your local CEAP provider.

Rental assistance and housing resources — Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

Helps with: State housing programs, rental assistance pathways, and renter resources.
How to start: Review housing programs and local options.

TDHCA housing resources

Tenant rights and eviction information — Texas Attorney General

Helps with: Plain-language information on tenant rights and eviction processes.
How to start: Review tenant guides and legal resources.

Child and family care

Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. Texas programs are generally accessed through Health and Human Services and local Workforce Solutions offices.

Child Care Services — Texas Workforce Solutions

Helps with: Assistance paying for child care for eligible working families.
How to start: Find your local Workforce Solutions office to apply.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — Texas HHS

Helps with: Temporary cash assistance for eligible families with children.
How to start: Apply online through YourTexasBenefits.

Apply: YourTexasBenefits.com
Program details: About TANF in Texas

Healthcare resources

If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, Medicaid and CHIP provide coverage for eligible Texans. You can apply online through YourTexasBenefits. Community health centers may also offer low-cost care.

Texas Medicaid & CHIP — apply through YourTexasBenefits

Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible children, families, and adults.
How to start: Apply online or by phone.

Apply: YourTexasBenefits.com
Apply by phone: 2-1-1 (option 2)
Program details: Medicaid & CHIP information

Find a community health center — HRSA

Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee services.
How to start: Search by ZIP code or city.

HRSA Find a Health Center

Crisis care

If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the resources below can help you find the right next step.

Texas 211

Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and crisis services.
How to start: Dial 2-1-1 or visit the website.

Dial: 2-1-1
211 Texas

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health or emotional crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.

Call or text: 988
988 Lifeline website

Texas Family Violence Hotline

Helps with: Support, safety planning, and local referrals for domestic violence.
How to start: Call for confidential help.

Call: 800-252-5400
Texas Family Violence Program

Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)

Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.

Call or text: 800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Helpline details

If debt is part of the picture

Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.

Talk with Money Fit Debt management plan help Payday loan help

Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/texas/