Disability and Special Needs Support for Single Mothers in Texas
Disability & Special Needs Support for Single Mothers in Texas
Last updated: September 2025
Emergency help first
- Life‑threatening danger: Call 911.
- Suicide or mental health crisis: Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Veterans press 1, Spanish press 2, LGBTQI+ press 3. FCC 988 overview. (fcc.gov)
- Child abuse or neglect now/within 24 hours: Call the Texas Abuse Hotline 1‑800‑252‑5400 (online reports can take 48+ hours). Texas DFPS Abuse Hotline. (txabusehotline.org)
- Domestic violence 24/7 confidential help: Call 1‑800‑799‑7233 or text “START” to 88788 at the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The Hotline. (thehotline.org)
- Find any local help in Texas: Call 2‑1‑1 or 1‑877‑541‑7905. HHSC resource numbers. (hhs.texas.gov)
Quick help box
- Get on waiver “interest lists” today: Call HHSC Interest List Management at 1‑877‑438‑5658 to add your child to the Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP). For HCS/TxHmL waivers, contact your Local Intellectual & Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) from the official directory. MDCP interest list steps and Find your LIDDA. (hhs.texas.gov, resources.hhs.texas.gov)
- Mental/behavioral health intensive services ages 3–18: Ask to be put on the YES Waiver inquiry list through your local mental health authority. Parents’ income doesn’t count. Start with your county LMHA on the state page. YES Waiver overview and contacts. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Health coverage right now: Apply for Children’s Medicaid/CHIP at YourTexasBenefits. If income is too high and your child has a qualifying disability, apply for Medicaid Buy‑In for Children (MBIC). Children’s Medicaid/CHIP and MBIC. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Special medical coverage (non‑Medicaid) up to 200% FPL: Apply for the Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program (CSHCN). Client line 1‑877‑888‑2350. CSHCN Services Program. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Food help this month: SNAP max for 4 is 975∗∗;for3is∗∗975**; for 3 is **768; for 2 is $536 (Oct 2024–Sept 2025). Use YourTexasBenefits to apply. USDA FY2025 SNAP COLA. (fns.usda.gov)
- Rides to covered medical care: If no other ride, call 877‑633‑8747 (877‑MED‑TRIP) or your health plan for Medicaid/CSHCN nonemergency medical transportation. HHSC NEMT program. (hhs.texas.gov)
How this guide goes beyond typical lists
What you get here: exact 2025 dollar amounts, eligibility rules, contact numbers, and direct application links, all verified from Texas HHSC, USDA, HUD, TEA, SSA, and established nonprofits. We also flag the hard parts—waitlists, documentation hurdles, and realistic timelines—and give a Plan B for each section. See our editorial standards at ASingleMother.org Editorial Policy. This page follows YMYL/EEAT practices and cites only official or widely recognized sources.
Quick reference cheat sheet
| Program | Who it helps | Core eligibility | Typical benefit or limit | Where to apply/contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children’s Medicaid | Low‑income kids | Income at/under state limits | Full Medicaid benefits | Children’s Medicaid/CHIP. (hhs.texas.gov) |
| MBIC | Child with disability; income too high for regular Medicaid | Disability plus household income up to MBIC limit | Medicaid coverage; monthly premium may be up to 230∗∗withoutHIPP,orupto∗∗230** without HIPP, or up to **70 with HIPP | MBIC official page. (hhs.texas.gov) |
| CSHCN Services | Child/youth with qualifying special health need ≤ 200% FPL | Texas resident, medical need, household income | Medical/dental, equipment, case mgmt (availability can vary) | Client line 1‑877‑888‑2350. CSHCN overview. (hhs.texas.gov) |
| SNAP | Families needing food help | Based on income/expenses | Max monthly: 4=975∗∗,3=∗∗975**, 3=**768, 2=$536 (FFY2025) | USDA FY2025 amounts. (fns.usda.gov) |
| WIC | Pregnant/postpartum or kids <5 | Income ≤ WIC limits; adjunct eligible with Medicaid/SNAP/TANF | Monthly fruits/veggies: child 26∗∗,pregnant/postpartum∗∗26**, pregnant/postpartum **47, breastfeeding $52 (FY2025) | TX WIC 1‑800‑942‑3678; Apply for WIC. (fns.usda.gov, texaswic.org) |
| CEAP (LIHEAP) | Utility bills | ≤ 150% FPL (PY2025) | Varies; crisis and bill payment | TDHCA CEAP 2025 income limits. (tdhca.texas.gov) |
| YES Waiver | Severe youth behavioral health needs (3–18) | Medicaid eligible; parental income not counted | Intensive in‑home supports, respite; average 11–18 months | YES Waiver. (hhs.texas.gov) |
| Waivers like MDCP, HCS/TxHmL | Long‑term care at home | Child meets institutional level of care | In‑home nursing/aides, adaptive aids, respite | MDCP list 1‑877‑438‑5658; HCS/TxHmL via LIDDAs. MDCP intake and LIDDA directory. (hhs.texas.gov, resources.hhs.texas.gov) |
Medical coverage that actually pays for your child’s care
Children’s Medicaid, CHIP, and STAR Kids managed care
Most important first: Apply at YourTexasBenefits to see if your child qualifies for Children’s Medicaid or CHIP. If approved for Medicaid and your child has a disability, care is delivered through STAR Kids managed care with a service coordinator. Children’s Medicaid/CHIP and STAR Kids overview. (hhs.texas.gov, pfd.hhs.texas.gov)
- Children’s Medicaid monthly income guide: family of 3 ≤ 2,862∗∗;familyof4≤∗∗2,862**; family of 4 ≤ **3,458. HHSC chart. (hhs.texas.gov)
- CHIP monthly income guide: family of 3 ≤ 4,325∗∗;familyof4≤∗∗4,325**; family of 4 ≤ **5,226; enrollment fees up to $50 per family/year and small copays. HHSC CHIP details. (hhs.texas.gov)
- How to pick or change plans: Call STAR/CHIP helpline 1‑800‑964‑2777. HHSC resource list. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Free rides to covered care: If your plan can’t set it up, call 877‑633‑8747. NEMT. (hhs.texas.gov)
Table — Texas monthly income guides (Aug 2025)
| Family size | Children’s Medicaid (max monthly) | CHIP (max monthly) | MBIC (max monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,670 | $2,523 | $3,765 |
| 2 | $2,266 | $3,424 | $5,110 |
| 3 | $2,862 | $4,325 | $6,455 |
| 4 | $3,458 | $5,226 | $7,800 |
Sources: Children’s Medicaid/CHIP income charts and MBIC income guide. (hhs.texas.gov)
- MBIC premiums: If no employer plan/HIPP, premiums can be up to 230∗∗/mo;withHIPPupto∗∗230**/mo; with HIPP up to **70; with employer plan and no HIPP, $0 MBIC premium. MBIC premiums. (hhs.texas.gov)
- If denied CHIP/Children’s Medicaid: Check MBIC if your child has a disability, or apply to CSHCN below.
Documents you’ll need: child’s ID/SSN, proof of Texas residency, last 30 days of income, medical records if applying under disability programs.
Realistic timeline: Medicaid/CHIP decisions can take several weeks; STAR Kids service coordination starts after enrollment.
What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 2‑1‑1 or 1‑877‑541‑7905 to ask HHSC to check your case; escalate to the HHS Ombudsman Managed Care help at 1‑866‑566‑8989 if you can’t get services started. Ombudsman contacts. (hhs.texas.gov)
SSI for children with disabilities in Texas
Most important first: If your child qualifies for SSI, Texas automatically gives Medicaid—this can be the fastest path to comprehensive coverage for medically complex kids. HHSC SSI‑Medicaid policy. (hhs.texas.gov)
- 2025 SSI federal benefit rate (child or adult): 967∗∗/moindividual;∗∗967**/mo individual; **1,450/mo couple. SSA Red Book: What’s New in 2025. (ssa.gov)
- SSI resource limits: 2,000∗∗individual,∗∗2,000** individual, **3,000 couple; unchanged since 1989. SSA POMS SI 01110.003. (secure.ssa.gov)
- Apply or appeal: Call SSA at 1‑800‑772‑1213 or visit your local SSA office; keep copies of all hospital/therapy reports.
Real‑world example: A Houston mom with a ventilator‑dependent teen applied for SSI with hospital discharge summaries, sleep study, and nursing notes; once SSI was approved, Medicaid started via SSI, then STAR Kids assigned a service coordinator who helped arrange private duty nursing.
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask SSA for a reconsideration by the deadline on your notice; meanwhile, have your pediatric specialist update function reports and submit new evidence. If SSI is denied solely for excess resources, consider a Texas ABLE account (see below) to shelter savings up to $100,000 from SSI resource counting and try again. SSA ABLE spotlight. (ssa.gov)
Long‑term supports at home: waivers and related services
MDCP, HCS, TxHmL, DBMD: get on interest lists now
Most important first: Add your child to every relevant interest list the same day you learn about them. For MDCP call 1‑877‑438‑5658. For HCS/TxHmL and IDD services, contact your county’s LIDDA. The date you call sets your place in line. HHSC interest list info, MDCP intake policy, and LIDDA directory. (hhs.texas.gov, resources.hhs.texas.gov)
- What waivers provide: attendant care, respite, nursing, adaptive aids, home mods, and case management, depending on program.
- Reality check: Waits can be long; keep your contact info updated annually so you aren’t skipped when your child’s name comes up.
Plan B while you wait: Ask your Medicaid plan about Community First Choice (CFC) and Personal Care Services if your child meets functional criteria; these are not “waiver” benefits and may start sooner. See HHSC’s ECI/PCS/CFC resource guide. ECI Central Directory—PCS/CFC notes. (hhs.texas.gov)
YES Waiver for serious emotional disturbance (ages 3–18)
- Eligibility highlights: serious mental/behavioral conditions; at risk of hospital placement; child must be Medicaid‑eligible, and parents’ income is not counted. Average duration 11–18 months. YES Waiver. (hhs.texas.gov)
- How to start: Call your county’s LMHA to be added to the YES inquiry list (link on the state page). Keep a log of calls and emails.
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the LMHA intake desk about other children’s mental health services while you wait (wraparound, skills training, respite) and consider school‑based services through an IEP (see next section). YES providers and contacts. (hhs.texas.gov)
Special education and school supports
Most important first: Submit a brief written request to your district’s special education office asking for a “Full and Individual Initial Evaluation” (FIIE). Texas timelines follow the “15‑45‑30” rule.
- Within 15 school days: the district must give you consent forms or a written refusal with reasons and your rights.
- Within 45 school days after consent: the FIIE must be completed (with limited exceptions for absences/late‑year timing).
- Within 30 calendar days: the ARD committee meets to decide eligibility and, if eligible, the IEP and placement. TEA timeline letter and Rule excerpts. (tea.texas.gov, sos.texas.gov)
- State help line for families: SPEDTex 1‑855‑773‑3839 with guides, ARD process, safeguards, and local resources. SPEDTex contact and Family resources. (spedtex.tea.texas.gov)
Common pitfalls: verbal requests that never become “in writing,” missed timelines near the end of the school year, or waiting for a medical diagnosis before requesting school evaluation (not required).
What to do if this doesn’t work: Reply in writing, cite the “15‑45‑30” timelines, and request a meeting; you can file a state complaint or request mediation/due‑process as explained in TEA’s letter. Keep emails and certified‑mail receipts. TEA guidance. (tea.texas.gov)
Health services for medically complex kids outside of standard Medicaid
Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program (CSHCN)
- Who qualifies: Texas residents through age 20 with qualifying medical conditions and income ≤ 200% of FPL (any age with cystic fibrosis). CSHCN eligibility. (hhs.texas.gov)
- How to apply: Submit Forms 3031 and 3034 with proof of Texas residency, identity, income, and medical need; client line 1‑877‑888‑2350 can help locate your local public health office. Program page. (hhs.texas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Re‑apply after Medicaid/MBIC decision (some families qualify that way); ask your local public health office about urgent medications/equipment needs in the meantime.
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) for ages birth–3
- Act fast: ECI must complete evaluation and the plan within 45 days of referral; earlier is better. Find your local ECI program or call the Ombudsman at 1‑877‑787‑8999 option 3 to be routed. ECI timelines and referral and Make a referral. (hhs.texas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: For children nearing 3, ask for a transition conference with your school’s special education department (see timelines above).
Food, cash, and utility assistance that many families miss
SNAP food benefits
- 2025 maximum allotments (lower 48): 1=292∗∗,2=∗∗292**, 2=**536, 3=768∗∗,4=∗∗768**, 4=**975. USDA FY2025 COLA. (fns.usda.gov)
- Texas SNAP income test references (effective Oct 2024): HHSC gross/net charts are posted (elderly/disabled households have special rules and higher categorical eligibility). HHSC SNAP income limits. (hhs.texas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If denied, ask HHSC which income/expense proofs were missing; you can reapply with complete documentation and ask about medical deductions for disabled household members.
WIC for pregnant/postpartum and kids under 5
- Monthly fruit/vegetable benefits through Sept 2025:** child 26∗∗;pregnant/postpartum∗∗26**; pregnant/postpartum **47; breastfeeding $52. Call 1‑800‑942‑3678 or apply online. USDA WIC FY2025 CVB and Texas WIC contact/apply. (fns.usda.gov, texaswic.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’re close to a WIC office, ask about same‑day breastfeeding support and a quick benefits start while income verification is pending.
TANF cash help (for very low‑income families)
- Examples of maximum monthly TANF amounts (Oct 2024): family of 3, one‑parent case 353∗∗;familyof4,one‑parent∗∗353**; family of 4, one‑parent **424; child‑only cases pay less. HHSC TANF page. (hhs.texas.gov)
- One‑Time TANF for relatives: one‑time $1,000 if you’re a grandparent/aunt/uncle raising a related child and meet income rules. HHSC TANF. (hhs.texas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your local Workforce Solutions office whether TANF work activities can be met with medical appointments and how to document good cause when your child’s care impacts availability.
Utilities: CEAP and Weatherization
- CEAP income limits (effective Jan 27, 2025): 150% FPL (e.g., family of 4 ≤ $48,225/yr). Apply with your local CEAP subrecipient. TDHCA CEAP 2025. (tdhca.texas.gov)
- Weatherization (WAP) income: 150% FPL for LIHEAP WAP and 200% FPL for DOE WAP. TDHCA WAP 2025. (tdhca.texas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the CEAP agency to refer you to city utility hardship funds and faith‑based bill‑pay programs; many accept medical hardship letters from doctors.
Transportation and disability placards
- Nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT): Call your plan first; if you’re not in a health plan, call 877‑633‑8747; gas cards/mileage and meals/lodging may be available for kids ≤20 traveling for care. HHSC NEMT. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Disability parking placard/plates: permanent placards are free; temporary placards cost $5 and last up to 6 months; apply with Form VTR‑214 via your county tax office. TxDMV placards/plates and TxDMV FAQ/fees. (txdmv.gov, prod-origin.txdmv.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If your county office can’t process quickly, ask if you can mail the notarized application and pick up the placard when ready; carry a copy of the application while you wait (some offices advise this).
Housing help when disability drives costs
- How to apply: Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local PHAs. Find your PHA in HUD’s directory and apply wherever lists are open; add yourself to multiple waitlists if allowed. HUD Texas rental help and PHA directory. (hud.gov)
- State PHA coverage: TDHCA runs vouchers in specific counties and special programs like Project Access (transition from institutions). TDHCA HCV info and Program administration. (tdhca.state.tx.us, tdhca.texas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask PHAs about disability preferences, portability, and reasonable accommodation (e.g., needing a first‑floor unit). Keep checking list‑opening notices and sign up for email alerts where available.
Child care help when you must work, study, or job‑search
- Eligibility: Families with income ≤ 85% of State Median Income (SMI) and meeting activity requirements can qualify for Child Care Services (CCS) scholarships; priority groups include children with disabilities.
- BCY2025 85% SMI examples (monthly): family of 4 ≤ 7,311∗∗;familyof3≤∗∗7,311**; family of 3 ≤ **6,141. These figures are posted by Texas Workforce Solutions boards implementing TWC’s BCY2025 limits. Workforce Solutions South Plains and Workforce Solutions East Texas. (workforcesouthplains.org, easttexasworkforce.org)
- Initial job‑search child care: Up to 3 months with no copay while you secure qualifying hours; once working enough hours, care continues to 12 months total. Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend. (workforcesolutionscb.org)
- Help finding your local board: Houston area support center 713‑334‑5980; East Texas 1‑800‑676‑8283. See the Texas Workforce Commission’s child care pages for statewide data and policy and contact your local Workforce Solutions board. Houston area support and TWC child care data/reports. (wrksolutions.com, twc.texas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for “priority due to disability” and whether your board funds enhanced rates for inclusive providers (Texas Rising Star 3‑4 stars). Keep documentation of medical needs that affect your work schedule.
Texas ABLE accounts: protect savings without losing SSI/Medicaid
- Key protections: Up to $100,000 in an ABLE account is excluded from SSI resource counting; Medicaid continues even if the ABLE balance temporarily pushes you over the SSI resource limit. SSA ABLE spotlight and SSA POMS on ABLE. (ssa.gov, secure.ssa.gov)
- 2025 annual contribution limit: 19,000∗∗(additionalABLE‑to‑Workcontributionmayapplyifthebeneficiaryworks).TexasABLEstateaccountcapis∗∗19,000** (additional ABLE‑to‑Work contribution may apply if the beneficiary works). Texas ABLE state account cap is **500,000. Texas ABLE FAQs. (texasable.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If you need to hold life‑sustaining funds above the ABLE thresholds, ask a disability‑savvy attorney about special needs trusts; The Arc of Texas’ Master Pooled Trust is one Texas option. The Arc of Texas. (thearcoftexas.org)
Tables you can use fast
Table — SNAP maximums for FFY2025 (Oct 2024–Sept 2025)
| Household size | Max monthly SNAP |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
Source: USDA SNAP FY2025 COLA. (fns.usda.gov)
Table — WIC fruit/vegetable cash value benefits (FY2025)
| Category | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Child (1–5) | $26 |
| Pregnant/postpartum | $47 |
| Breastfeeding | $52 |
Source: USDA WIC FY2025 CVB. (fns.usda.gov)
Table — CEAP & Weatherization income limits (Program Year 2025)
| Program | Limit | Example, family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| CEAP utility assistance | ≤ 150% FPL | $48,225/yr |
| LIHEAP WAP | ≤ 150% FPL | $48,225/yr |
| DOE WAP | ≤ 200% FPL | $64,300/yr |
Source: TDHCA CEAP/WAP 2025 guidance and WAP guidance. (tdhca.texas.gov)
Table — SSI essentials (2025)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Benefit Rate (individual) | $967/mo |
| Federal Benefit Rate (couple) | $1,450/mo |
| Resource limit (individual) | $2,000 |
| Resource limit (couple) | $3,000 |
Sources: SSA “What’s New in 2025” and SSA POMS SI 01110.003. (ssa.gov, secure.ssa.gov)
Local organizations and real people you can call
- The Arc of Texas: statewide advocacy, local chapters, benefits guidance. Main office (512) 454‑6694; find your local chapter online. The Arc of Texas and Find your chapter. (thearcoftexas.org, thearc.org)
- Easterseals Central Texas: therapy, parent support, employment services. Austin (512) 615‑6800. Easterseals Central Texas. (easterseals.com)
- SPEDTex (state special education information center): 1‑855‑773‑3839. SPEDTex contact. (spedtex.tea.texas.gov)
- Your county LIDDA for IDD waivers and crisis: find phone numbers by county in the state directory. LIDDA directory. (resources.hhs.texas.gov)
- Harris County (Houston): The Harris Center (713) 970‑7000 (IDD/MH); HUD Houston Field Office (713) 718‑3199 for PHA issues. LIDDA Harris Center and TDHCA HUD contacts. (resources.hhs.texas.gov, tdhca.texas.gov)
- Dallas County: Metrocare intake (214) 333‑7000. LIDDA Metrocare. (resources.hhs.texas.gov)
- Travis County (Austin): Integral Care (512) 472‑4357. LIDDA Integral Care. (resources.hhs.texas.gov)
- Bexar County (San Antonio): AACOG IDD intake (210) 832‑5020. LIDDA AACOG. (resources.hhs.texas.gov)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing interest lists: Not calling 1‑877‑438‑5658 for MDCP or your LIDDA for HCS/TxHmL the moment you hear about them.
- Verbal school requests: Always submit evaluation requests in writing to trigger the 15‑45‑30 timelines.
- Leaving money in your child’s name: For SSI, keeping resources over $2,000 can cause denials; consider ABLE before applying. SSA POMS resource limits. (secure.ssa.gov)
- Skipping Medicaid rides: If transportation is a barrier, call 877‑633‑8747 or your plan’s ride broker.
- Expired contact info: Waiver calls and housing waitlist notices are time‑limited; update phone, email, and mailing address everywhere.
Application checklist
- Identity & residency: child’s birth certificate, SSN or proof applied, Texas address proof.
- Income proofs: last 30 days of pay stubs, benefits letters, child support records.
- Medical evidence: clinic notes, therapy evals, IEP/504, hospital discharge summaries, medication list.
- Insurance/employer plan: policy card and employer coverage details (for MBIC/HIPP decisions).
- Special items: for CSHCN Forms 3031/3034; for ECI referral info; for placards Form VTR‑214 with doctor’s certification. CSHCN forms/process and TxDMV placards. (hhs.texas.gov, txdmv.gov)
Diverse communities
- LGBTQ+ single mothers: Inclusive counseling and crisis: text 988 and choose the LGBTQI+ option to reach an affirming counselor; ask your child’s LMHA about providers experienced with gender‑diverse youth. 988 options. (fcc.gov)
- Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Caregiver respite: check “Take Time Texas” and ask your Medicaid plan about respite/CFC; ABLE accounts can protect savings up to $100,000 from SSI counting. ECI resource: respite/Take Time Texas and SSA ABLE. (hhs.texas.gov, ssa.gov)
- Veteran single mothers: Crisis line access: call 988 then press 1; ask your VA social worker about in‑home respite and EFMP supports for children with disabilities through DoD if applicable. 988 Veterans option. (fcc.gov)
- Immigrant/refugee single moms: WIC and school: Texas WIC does not require citizenship; for Medicaid/CHIP, children who are “qualified non‑citizens” may be eligible—apply to see. Texas WIC apply. (texaswic.org)
- Tribal‑specific resources: Domestic violence help: StrongHearts Native Helpline 844‑762‑8483 is listed by the National Domestic Violence Hotline as a partner resource; also check IHS clinics near state borders if applicable. The Hotline partner resources. (thehotline.org)
- Rural single moms: Access work‑arounds: use Medicaid rides for long‑distance appointments; ask your Workforce board about job‑search child care; request telehealth where allowed.
- Single fathers: Inclusion: All programs in this guide are gender‑neutral; eligibility is about the child and income, not the parent’s gender.
- Language access: Right to interpretation: HHSC, SSA, TEA, and WIC provide free interpreters; ask for documents in your language (Spanish links are available on many state pages).
What to do when you’re stuck
- Can’t get through to HHSC: Call 2‑1‑1 or 1‑877‑541‑7905; ask for a callback and keep the case number. HHSC resource directory. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Managed‑care roadblocks: Call the HHS Ombudsman Managed Care help at 1‑866‑566‑8989; they troubleshoot plan issues and billing disputes. Ombudsman. (hhs.texas.gov)
- School stalemates: Call SPEDTex 1‑855‑773‑3839 and cite the TEA “15‑45‑30” timelines in an email to the district. TEA letter. (tea.texas.gov)
FAQs for Texas (state‑specific)
- What is STAR Kids and who’s in it: Texas’ Medicaid managed care for members under 21 with disabilities, including children on SSI or certain waivers. STAR Kids overview. (pfd.hhs.texas.gov)
- Do SSI recipients automatically get Medicaid in Texas: Yes—Texas is a “1634 state,” so SSI approval triggers Medicaid. HHSC SSI‑Medicaid policy. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Can I have savings and keep SSI/Medicaid for my child: Yes, within limits. ABLE excludes up to 100,000∗∗;overallSSIresourcelimitforanindividualremains∗∗100,000**; overall SSI resource limit for an individual remains **2,000. SSA ABLE and POMS resource limits. (ssa.gov, secure.ssa.gov)
- How do I get on the MDCP list: Call 1‑877‑438‑5658 (Interest List Management). Keep your case number. MDCP intake. (hhs.texas.gov)
- What if my child needs mental health in‑home services now: Ask to be put on the YES Waiver inquiry list through your LMHA; parents’ income is not counted. YES Waiver. (hhs.texas.gov)
- What are 2025 SNAP maximums for my family: 3=768∗∗,4=∗∗768**, 4=**975 per month. USDA FY2025 COLA. (fns.usda.gov)
- What WIC fruit/vegetable benefits can we get in 2025: child 26∗∗,pregnant/postpartum∗∗26**, pregnant/postpartum **47, breastfeeding $52 monthly. USDA WIC FY2025 CVB. (fns.usda.gov)
- Does Texas have cash aid: TANF pays small amounts—for a family of 3, about $353 maximum monthly in a one‑parent case. HHSC TANF. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Can Medicaid pay for rides to my child’s appointments: Yes—call your plan or 877‑633‑8747 if you don’t have a plan. HHSC NEMT. (hhs.texas.gov)
- How fast must schools act on my written evaluation request: 15 school days for consent or refusal; 45 school days to complete evaluation; 30 calendar days to the ARD meeting. TEA letter. (tea.texas.gov)
What to expect: timelines and realities
- Waivers: interest lists move slowly; update your phone/email yearly. You can receive other Medicaid services while waiting; it doesn’t hurt your place in line. HHSC interest list page. (hhs.texas.gov)
- SNAP/TANF: provide every pay stub and expense proof the first time; missing paperwork stalls cases. HHSC will prorate some first payments (e.g., TANF) based on the approval date. HHSC TANF proration. (hhs.texas.gov)
“If this still doesn’t work” — extra Plan B’s
- File a fair hearing with HHSC: If benefits are wrongly denied or cut, ask HHSC for a hearing by the deadline on your notice; keep copies of all documents.
- Ask your doctor to write functional letters: For waivers, CFC, and school supports, specific examples of day‑to‑day care needs carry weight.
- Get peer help: Contact Texas Parent to Parent for support groups and 1‑to‑1 parent matches. ECI resource hub lists TxP2P contact. (hhs.texas.gov)
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
Methodology: We use only official sources (Texas HHSC, TEA, USDA, HUD, SSA) and established nonprofits, verify links at publication, and monitor for policy changes. Read our full standards at ASingleMother.org Editorial Policy.
Scope: Texas‑specific programs for families of children with disabilities, with income limits, dollar amounts, and state contacts current to August/September 2025 where available.
Maintenance: Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026. Send corrections to info@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer
Important: Programs change quickly. Always confirm eligibility rules, dollar amounts, and application steps with the agency listed before you act. This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice or a substitute for agency guidance. We take security seriously and never request sensitive personal data—if you share information with any agency, use only official, secure websites and phone numbers.
Sources used across this guide
- Medicaid/CHIP & MBIC: Children’s Medicaid/CHIP and MBIC. (hhs.texas.gov)
- SSI/Medicaid link & SSI amounts/resources: HHSC SSI‑Medicaid, SSA 2025 FBR, SSA POMS resource limits. (hhs.texas.gov, ssa.gov, secure.ssa.gov)
- Waivers & interest lists: HHSC interest list page, MDCP intake/ILM number, LIDDA directory. (hhs.texas.gov, resources.hhs.texas.gov)
- YES Waiver: Program details and provider/contacts. (hhs.texas.gov)
- CSHCN: Program and eligibility. (hhs.texas.gov)
- ECI timelines & referral: Compliance guide and Make a referral. (hhs.texas.gov)
- SNAP/WIC: USDA SNAP FY2025 and USDA WIC FY2025 CVB. (fns.usda.gov)
- TANF: HHSC TANF cash help and TANF policy chart. (hhs.texas.gov)
- CEAP/WAP: TDHCA CEAP 2025 and WAP 2025. (tdhca.texas.gov)
- Medicaid NEMT: HHSC NEMT. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Placards/plates: TxDMV disabled parking and TxDMV FAQ. (txdmv.gov, prod-origin.txdmv.gov)
- Housing (HUD/PHAs): HUD Texas rental help and HUD PHA directory. (hud.gov)
- Child care (CCS): Workforce South Plains 85% SMI chart, Workforce East Texas 85% SMI chart, Coastal Bend job‑search child care, and TWC program/data page. (workforcesouthplains.org, easttexasworkforce.org, workforcesolutionscb.org, twc.texas.gov)
- Special education timelines & family supports: TEA letter, Rule excerpts, SPEDTex. (tea.texas.gov, sos.texas.gov, spedtex.tea.texas.gov)
- ABLE: SSA ABLE spotlight and Texas ABLE FAQs. (ssa.gov, texasable.org)
If you need a quick, step‑by‑step on any one program or want this broken into a printable checklist for your county, tell me your ZIP code and I’ll tailor the action steps and phone numbers.
🏛️More Texas Resources for Single Mothers
Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Texas
- 📋 Assistance Programs
- 💰 Benefits and Grants
- 👨👩👧 Child Support
- 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
- ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
- 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
- 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
- 🎓 Education Grants
- 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
- 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
- 🔧 Job Training
- ⚖️ Legal Help
- 🧠 Mental Health Resources
- 🚗 Transportation Assistance
- 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
- ⚡ Utility Assistance
- 🥛 WIC Benefits
- 🏦 TANF Assistance
- 🏠 Housing Assistance
- 👶 Childcare Assistance
- 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
- 🚨 Emergency Assistance
- 🤝 Community Support
- 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
- 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
- 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
- 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
- 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
- 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
