Government Assistance from other State Agencies

Education and Literacy

Adult Education

The Adult Education program addresses the special needs of adults requiring skills training to continue their education and find employment. Local programs in basic academics, life coping skills and secondary adult education are funded throughout the state.

For more information, call the Texas Education Agency (Austin) at (512) 463-9734.

Literacy Program

Adult literacy programs are offered in community colleges throughout Texas. For information and assistance in locating the program in your area, contact the Developmental Studies Department of your local community college or contact:

Texas Literacy Council
Texas Department of Commerce (Austin)
1-800-441-READ

College Financial Assistance

Financial aid programs help students pay for college. Student financial aid may be grouped in these categories:

• Scholarships
• Service awards (such as athletic or music)
• Jobs
• Loans

The financial aid director at the college or university of the student's choice is the primary contact for financial aid. To be considered, the student should contact the financial aid office in the selected school as early as the fall semester prior to the year he or she desires to enroll. Graduating seniors should apply for assistance during the fall term of their senior year.

The Texas Higher Education Coordination Board has a free publication that lists some of the institutional, state and federal student assistance programs. "Financial Aid for Texas Students" is available by calling (512) 427-6387.

Vocational Education

Post-secondary vocational education in Texas is provided through the state's public community college districts, the Texas State Technical Colleges and Lamar University. These colleges offer programs in health, business, and office computer engineering, and industrial technologies and public and social service. All community colleges in Texas have an open door admissions policy. Tuition charged to in-district students may vary, and financial aid programs are available at all institutions. For current information on tuition and fees you should contact the college directly.

For more information, call Texas Higher Education Coordination Board (Austin) at (512) 427-6387.

Family and Economic Services

Texas Work and Family Clearinghouse

The Texas Work and Family Clearinghouse provides dependent care information for job applicants with dependent care needs and assists employers in developing dependent care programs and alternatives.

For more information, call:

Texas Workforce Commission (Austin)
(512) 936-3226.

Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)

Administered by the Texas Department of Human Services, AFDC helps maintain families until they become self-sufficient. The program provides monthly assistance payments based on number of family members, current family income and resources.

For more information, call:

Texas Health and Human Services (Austin)
(512) 438-3011.

Food Stamp Program

Clients receive coupons redeemable at grocery stores for food. The amount received depends on family size, income and other factors.

For more information, call:

Texas Health and Human Services (Austin)
(512) 438-3011.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a federal health insurance program administered through the Texas Department of Human Services. Coverage extends to health care expenses including physician's fees, inpatient and outpatient hospital charges, laboratories and X-ray costs, home care, ambulance and nurse-midwife expenses. Low-income persons with dependent children and aged, blind and/or disabled persons whose incomes and resources meet Supplemental Security Income (SSI) standards are eligible.

For more information, call:

Texas Health and Human Services (Austin)
(512) 438-3011.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Texas Department of Health allocates specific food items such as milk, cheese, juice, eggs, infant formula, and other foods to WIC participants. Clinical screening and nutritional education is also available. Eligibility is limited to certain children five years and younger, and low-income pregnant or nursing women.

For more information, call:

Department of State Health Services (Austin)
(512) 458-7444.

Housing and Utilities Assistance

Housing Assistance Program

This program pays landlords rental assistance supplements on behalf of program participants. If you are 62 or older with low family income; or if you are disabled or displaced, you may be eligible. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is administered by the Texas Department of Community Affairs.

For more information, call:

Texas Department of Community Affairs (Austin)
(512) 475-3800.

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

For information about housing discrimination or to file a housing discrimination complaint, call toll-free: 1-800-669-9777.

Temporary Emergency Relief Program

Needy persons can receive food, utilities, housing and clothing in an emergency.

For more information, call:

Texas Health and Human Services (Austin)
(512) 438-3011.

Energy Crisis Program

This program provides assistance in paying utility bills for low-income households experiencing a weather-related crisis or supply shortage emergency. Special outreach effort is made to households with vulnerable residents such as elderly or disabled persons whose health or well-being is threatened. Maximum assistance is limited to $400 per household per year and is available only on an emergency basis.

Weatherization Program for Low-Income Individuals

This program assists low-income households with home repairs to reduce energy consumption. Services may include replacing broken windows; patching holes in walls, ceiling or roof; attic insulation; caulking; and other allowable energy conservation measures.

For more information, call:

Texas Department of Community Affairs (Austin)
(512) 475-3800.

Additional Services

Child Help USA Child Abuse Hotline: Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).

Governor's Citizen Assistance Office: General information on state agencies and offices. Call 1-800-252-9600.

Department of Criminal Justice - Crime Victim Clearinghouse: Call 1-800-848-4284.

Texas Protective & Regulatory Services Abuse Hotline: Child/Elderly/Disabled: Call 1-800-252-5400

Texas Attorney General Office: For consumer protection information and child support collection assistance. Call 1-800-621-0508 (consumer protection) and (512) 460-6000 (child support).

Texas Workforce Commission - Civil Rights Division: The Civil Rights Division is responsible for enforcing fair employment laws and preventing employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin. Call (512) 463-2642.

Texas Department of State Health Services provides medical and psychiatric services for any person in need of assistance regardless of the individuals income level. Call 1-800-252-8514.
Nursing home complaints may also be filed with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. Call 1-800-252-8154

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: The United States EEOC enforces federal employment anti-discrimination law through its regional offices. Call 1-800-669-4000.

Veterans Land Board: The Veterans Land Board provides Texas veterans with low-interest loans for purchasing land, housing or home improvements. Call 1-800-252-8387.

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