Afterschool and Summer Programs for Single Mothers in Texas

Last updated: September 2025

Emergency help first

If childcare just fell through or you need a safe afterschool/summer option this week, start here.

• Call 2‑1‑1 Texas: Dial 2‑1‑1 or 877‑541‑7905 to ask for afterschool, summer camps, childcare subsidies, and food sites near you. They answer 24/7 in many languages and can transfer you directly to local programs. Search 2‑1‑1 Texas online if you can’t call. (crcg.hhs.texas.gov, ccrgv.org)
• Check free city programs first: Many cities run low‑cost or free afterschool programs. Examples that are enrolling during the school year include Houston Parks’ Afterschool Enrichment (free), Dallas Park & Rec OST (free for residents), Fort Worth After School (free), and El Paso Parks afterschool ($5/week). See the “City and nonprofit programs” section below for direct links and phone numbers. (houstontx.gov, dallasparks.org, fwisd.org, elpasotexas.gov)
• Find free meals today: Summer and school‑break meal sites serve no‑cost meals to kids 18 and under—no ID, no paperwork. Text “FOOD” to 304‑304, call 877‑TEX‑MEAL, or use the TDA Summer Meals map. Learn about Summer Meal Programs. (feedingtexas.org, squaremeals.org)
• Apply for help paying for afterschool care: If you’re working or in school, you may qualify for Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Child Care Services (CCS) scholarships that cover before/after school and summer care. Apply online through Texas Child Care Connection (TX3C). Start your CCS application at TX3C. Note: waitlists are common; see the CCS section for income limits and copays. (twc.texas.gov)
• Ask your school about Texas ACE: Many Title I campuses offer free Texas ACE (21st CCLC) afterschool and summer programming on campus. Contact your principal or check your district’s ACE page. What is Texas ACE. (tea.texas.gov)

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Quick‑reference cheat sheet

• Free or cheapest options to try first: Texas ACE at your child’s school; City parks & rec afterschool; Boys & Girls Clubs; Summer Meals sites. Links and phones below.
• Need a paid spot with a subsidy: Apply for CCS via TX3C; choose a provider that accepts CCS; expect a copay based on income; see income limit and copay tables below.
• How to check safety/quality: Use the Texas Child Care Search to read inspection histories and the Texas Child Care Availability Portal to find open seats and Texas Rising Star ratings. Links below.
• Typical timeline: City programs can enroll immediately if a seat exists; CCS decisions depend on waitlists; some areas report waits of months; always ask to be added to the waitlist and confirm every 90 days. (houstonchronicle.com, dfwjobs.com)

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What this hub does differently

• Concrete numbers: Current Texas CCS income limits, copay examples, and sample school‑age reimbursement rates by region are included below.
• Plan B built‑in: Every section ends with a backup path if the first option doesn’t work.
• Direct contacts: Phones, apply pages, and city program links are included so you can act now.

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At‑a‑glance options table

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Texas ACE (free on‑campus before/after school and summer)

Start here: Ask your child’s school if they host Texas ACE. Programs are free at participating Title I campuses and run after the bell and during summer, with tutoring, enrichment, and family engagement. See TEA’s program page and your district’s ACE page (example: ACE Austin campuses). (tea.texas.gov, austinisd.org)

• Key details: Programs operate under the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, administered by TEA. TEA notes 650+ ACE learning centers across ~130 districts. (tea.texas.gov)
• If you can’t find the campus page: Email your principal’s office or the district afterschool department and ask, “Do we have Texas ACE or 21st CCLC this year?” The statewide ACE inbox is 21stcentury@tea.texas.gov. (tea.texas.gov)

What to bring: Student ID, emergency contacts, any medical details (allergies/meds). Some sites maintain waitlists—ask for the site coordinator’s email to confirm your place weekly.

Timeline reality: Seats can fill quickly each semester; new slots often open at grading periods or mid‑year when students move.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Apply for CCS (below) and in the meantime use city recreation afterschool or Boys & Girls Clubs; ask the school counselor for a list of trusted local programs that pick up from campus.

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CCS childcare scholarships for before/after school and summer (TWC)

Start here: Complete the online CCS eligibility screener and application through the Texas Child Care Connection (TX3C). From there you can pick a provider that accepts CCS and serves school‑age kids (before/after care and summer camps are covered). (twc.texas.gov)

Eligibility and income limits across Texas

• Basic eligibility: Parent is working, in job search, or in education/training; child is under 13 (or under 19 with a disability); family income at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI). Some Boards require minimum weekly participation hours (for a single‑parent household, many list 25 hours/week). (workforcesouthplains.org)
• 2024‑2025 income limits (BCY25, in effect through September 30, 2025): The 85% SMI monthly thresholds are listed below (examples). (easttexasworkforce.org)

Note: New SMI amounts take effect October 1, 2025 (BCY26). Example: family of 4 monthly limit increases to $7,670. (twc.texas.gov)

Your copay (Parent Share of Cost)

TWC publishes a statewide sliding‑fee chart. Here are examples using BCY25 figures. (twc.texas.gov)

Copays are lower at lower income bands; additional children add small amounts up to 7% of household income. Copays vary slightly by Board—use the Board’s copay calculator if available. (twc.texas.gov)

What CCS pays your provider (school‑age rates vary by region)

CCS reimburses up to a maximum regional rate (cannot exceed the provider’s published rate). Below are examples for school‑age part‑time (after school) as of January 13, 2025. Actual payments depend on your Board area and the provider’s quality rating (Texas Rising Star). (twc.texas.gov)

Boards may publish easier‑to‑read rate pages too (example: North Central Texas). (dfwjobs.com)

How to apply and choose a program

• Apply online: Use the TX3C portal to submit your CCS application and upload documents from your phone. If you need help with TX3C, call 888‑265‑6461. (hotworkforce.com)
• Find open seats: Use the Texas Child Care Availability Portal to filter by your ZIP code, “School‑Age,” “Before/After School,” “Summer,” bus pickup, and Texas Rising Star level. (twc.texas.gov)
• Check safety/inspections: Before you choose, look up each provider’s inspection history in the HHSC Child Care Regulation search. You can view five years of compliance history, recent deficiencies, and enforcement actions. Search Texas Child Care. (hhs.texas.gov, content.govdelivery.com)

Reality check on waitlists and timing

• Demand is high statewide; news reports cited about 95,000 families on waitlists with some waits up to 14 months in large metros. Always get on the waitlist and respond to 90‑day check‑ins to keep your place. (houstonchronicle.com)
• Texas launched the statewide TX3C system on January 13, 2025. Some Boards noted temporary processing delays during the transition. If you applied around that time, call your Board if you haven’t heard back. (content.govdelivery.com)

Paperwork you’ll need

• Proof of ID and birth date for all household members.
• Work or school verification (pay stubs or class schedule).
• Income proof (pay, TANF/SSI if any).
• Child’s citizenship or qualified status (for CCS eligibility, required for the child). (workforcesolutionsctx.com)

Plan B if CCS is full

• Ask for “job search” childcare (often up to 3 months) if you’re currently seeking work; rules vary by Board. (workforcesouthplains.org)
• Use free or low‑cost city programs, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA financial aid, and Texas ACE if available (links below) while you wait.

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City and nonprofit programs with concrete costs and contacts

Use these for fast, affordable afterschool options while you wait for CCS or if you don’t meet CCS rules.

Houston

• Houston Parks & Recreation Afterschool Enrichment (HPARD)
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: 6–13
  • Hours: typically school dismissal–6 pm
  • Phone: 832‑395‑7295 or 832‑395‑7296
  • Apply: HPARD Youth Sports & Recreation page (registration via ActiveNet; see site list). (houstontx.gov)
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston
  • Cost: $10perschoolyear\ast \ast (afterschool)and\ast \ast$25 per summer per child; scholarships available
  • Apply: Membership and fees (bgcgh.org)

Dallas

• Dallas Park & Recreation Out‑of‑School‑Time (OST)
  • Cost: Free for City of Dallas residents; $50/month for non‑residents
  • Ages: 5–12
  • Hours: 3–6 pm
  • Phone: 214‑670‑8847
  • Apply: Dallas OST page (dallasparks.org)
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas
  • Cost: $80/month\ast \ast forages6–12(includesmeals,fieldtrips,activities);teens\ast \ast$50/year
  • Hours: 3–7 pm on school days
  • Apply: Afterschool at BGCD (bgcdallas.org)
• After‑School All‑Stars North Texas
  • Where: Multiple DISD and area sites
  • Contact: 972‑803‑4589
  • Info: ASAS North Texas (afterschoolallstars.org)

Fort Worth

• Fort Worth After School (FWAS)
  • Cost: Free at most sites (FWISD/City of Fort Worth partnership)
  • Hours: usually Mon–Thu until 6 pm
  • Details: homework support, enrichment, snack; ~6,000 students daily
  • Apply: FWAS overview (fwisd.org)
• Clayton Youth Enrichment (before/after school in FWISD/Keller ISD; CCS accepted)
  • Example fees: FWISD school $75.50/week\ast \ast afterschool;KellerISD\ast \ast$89.25/week afterschool
  • Phone: 817‑923‑9888 (main)
  • Info: Sample site fees (claytonyouth.org)

Austin

• City of Austin Parks & Recreation (PARD) Afterschool
  • Typical cost: example school lists $140/month for residents (financial aid 50% off; CEP schools often qualify all students)
  • Apply: Afterschool Programs at AustinTexas.gov and PARD Financial Aid (50% off) (winn-montessori.austinschools.org, austintexas.gov)
• Greater Austin YMCA Afterschool
  • 2025‑26 fees: AISD/Hays/RRISD $345/month\ast \ast ;ManorISD\ast \ast$280/month; registration $50; CCS welcome; financial aid available
  • Apply: YMCA of Austin Afterschool (austinymca.org)

San Antonio

• San Antonio Parks & Recreation — Summer Youth Program
  • Cost: One‑time fee for full summer; reduced‑fee chart available each year; registration usually opens late April
  • Hours: typically Mon–Fri 7:30 am–5:30 pm
  • Phone: 210‑207‑7275
  • Info: 2025 Summer Youth Program (sa.gov, sanantonio.gov)

El Paso

• El Paso Parks & Recreation After School
  • Cost: $5/week per child
  • Ages: 6–12
  • Apply: At any open recreation center (first‑come, first‑served)
  • Info: City youth programs (elpasotexas.gov)
• Boys & Girls Clubs of El Paso
  • Cost: “Low fees; no child turned away for inability to pay”
  • Phone: 915‑532‑7410
  • Info: BGCEP (bgcelpaso.org)

YMCA (financial assistance)

• YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas: Financial assistance up to 50% with documentation. Dallas Y Financial Assistance. (ymcadallas.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Check Dallas Afterschool’s searchable program map to find vetted afterschool and summer programs by ZIP code. Dallas Afterschool Program Finder. (dallasafterschool.my.salesforce-sites.com)

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Summer meals and grocery benefits

• Free summer meals at sites: Kids 18 and under eat free at schools, parks, libraries, and community centers across Texas—no ID or application. Call 877‑TEX‑MEAL, text “FOOD” to 304‑304, or visit the state site. TDA Summer Meal Programs. (squaremeals.org, feedingtexas.org)
• Summer EBT (“SUN Bucks”): For 2025, USDA set benefits at $40/monthperchild\ast \ast forthreemonths(\ast \ast$120 total) in participating states. Texas is not participating in 2025; use summer meal sites and local food banks instead. (fns.usda.gov, frac.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 2‑1‑1 and ask for nearby food pantries, school district meal pick‑ups, and summer libraries offering meals. (crcg.hhs.texas.gov)

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How to find and verify a program fast

• Find open spots: Use the Texas Child Care Availability Portal (filters for “School‑Age,” “Before/After School,” “Summer”). (twc.texas.gov)
• Check inspection and complaint history: HHSC’s Texas Child Care Search shows licensing status, past deficiencies, and enforcement actions—review five years before enrolling. Search Texas Child Care. (hhs.texas.gov, content.govdelivery.com)
• Compare quality: Look for Texas Rising Star 3‑ or 4‑Star programs for higher quality standards. (twc.texas.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school counselor which programs consistently pick up from campus and have openings mid‑semester; ask to be added to each provider’s internal waitlist.

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Tables you can use today

CCS income limits at 85% SMI (BCY25, through Sept 30, 2025)

Source: Board income guideline postings reflecting TWC’s BCY25 thresholds. (easttexasworkforce.org)

CCS parent copay examples at 85% SMI (BCY25)

Source: TWC Parent Share of Cost (PSOC) Sliding Fee Scale. (twc.texas.gov)

Sample CCS reimbursement rates for school‑age part‑time (after school)

Source: Statewide BCY25 Provider Payment Rates effective January 13, 2025. (twc.texas.gov)

City and nonprofit program fees snapshot

Sources: program pages linked in each city section above. (houstontx.gov, dallasparks.org, fwisd.org, elpasotexas.gov, bgcgh.org, bgcdallas.org, austinymca.org)

Summer food options at a glance

Sources: TDA SquareMeals; USDA/FRAC Summer EBT info. (squaremeals.org, fns.usda.gov, frac.org)

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Realistic timelines

• City programs: If a seat is open, enrollment can be same‑week.
• CCS: Expect a waitlist in many areas; workloads and funding cause long waits in large metros (some reported up to 14 months). Always confirm your waitlist status every 90 days or you can be dropped. (houstonchronicle.com, dfwjobs.com)
• System transitions: The January 2025 rollout of TX3C created short‑term delays at some Boards; if you applied during that window, follow up by phone or email. (content.govdelivery.com)

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Not confirming your CCS waitlist: Many Boards require you to confirm need every 90 days. Miss it and you’re removed.
• Choosing a provider without checking inspections: Always read the last two years of inspection reports and enforcement actions before enrolling. Texas Child Care Search. (hhs.texas.gov)
• Assuming all school campuses have afterschool: Texas ACE is campus‑specific; call the office and ask.
• Skipping city programs: Free parks & rec afterschool programs can bridge care while you wait for CCS.
• Not budgeting for copays: Use the copay table to plan so you’re not surprised when care starts. (twc.texas.gov)

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Application checklist

• Photo ID and proof of residence
• Child’s birth certificate or legal status
• Work or school documents showing hours/pay or class schedule
• Last 30 days of income for all adults in the home
• Provider choice and backup provider (for CCS)
• Special needs documentation if applicable (may extend eligibility to age 19) (workforcesouthplains.org)

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Diverse communities and focused resources

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Many city programs and Ys follow nondiscrimination policies; ask for written behavior policies and bathroom/locker room practices that align with your child’s needs. If you face bias, call 2‑1‑1 for legal aid referrals. (crcg.hhs.texas.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or caring for a disabled child: CCS can cover children with disabilities up to age 19; ask your Board about reasonable accommodation and transportation options. (workforcesouthplains.org)
• Veteran single mothers: Ask providers about military discounts and Child Care Aware fee assistance; many afterschool programs offer 10–15% military discounts (example partner listing). (discoverchampions.com)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: For CCS, eligibility is tied to the child’s citizenship/qualified status (not necessarily the parent’s). Gather the child’s documents and apply via TX3C. For free summer meals, no ID is required. (workforcesolutionsctx.com, squaremeals.org)
• Tribal citizens: Tribal CCDF childcare programs may help with afterschool and summer care. Texas tribal contacts include the Alabama‑Coushatta Tribe (936‑563‑1100), Kickapoo Traditional Tribe (830‑421‑5385), and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (915‑860‑6170). Ysleta del Sur’s Department of Tribal Empowerment runs afterschool/tutoring (BRAVE). (acf.hhs.gov, ysletadelsurpueblo.org)
• Rural single moms with limited access: If distance is a barrier, ask providers about bus pickup; use the Availability Portal to filter for transportation; for summer, check if non‑congregate “to‑go” meal options are offered in your area. (twc.texas.gov, squaremeals.org)
• Single fathers: All programs here also serve single dads; the same CCS rules and financial aid apply.
• Language access: 2‑1‑1 and most state/city sites provide Spanish and other languages; ask to speak with a bilingual staff member. (crcg.hhs.texas.gov)

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Resources by region (quick contacts)

• Houston: HPARD Afterschool Enrichment — 832‑395‑7295; program page. Boys & Girls Clubs — see membership info. (houstontx.gov, bgcgh.org)
• Dallas: Dallas Park & Rec OST — 214‑670‑8847; OST program page. BGCD — Afterschool details. (dallasparks.org, bgcdallas.org)
• Fort Worth: FWAS — see program overview. (fwisd.org)
• San Antonio: Parks & Recreation Summer Youth — 210‑207‑7275; program info. (sa.gov)
• Austin: PARD Afterschool — programs; PARD Financial Aid — 50% off info. (austintexas.gov)
• El Paso: Parks After School — sites and fees. (elpasotexas.gov)
• Statewide help: 2‑1‑1; 877‑TEX‑MEAL (summer meals); TX3C support 888‑265‑6461; TWC main customer line 800‑628‑5115. (squaremeals.org, content.govdelivery.com, twc.texas.gov)

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Real‑world example

• Example: A Houston mom working variable shifts needs afterschool care and summer camp for a 2nd‑grader.
  • She enrolls the child in HPARD Afterschool (free) for immediate coverage and asks to be added to the site’s waitlist if full. (houstontx.gov)
  • She applies for CCS via TX3C and lists a nearby licensed center that picks up from school; her family of 3 at $3,600/month lands a lower copay tier (less than the 85% SMI examples shown above). (twc.texas.gov)
  • For summer, she bookmarks the TDA Summer Meals map and the HPARD summer registration page so meals and care are covered. (squaremeals.org)

If CCS is delayed, she uses Boys & Girls Club ($10/year) or YMCA financial assistance to bridge care. (bgcgh.org, ymcadallas.org)

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FAQs (Texas‑specific)

• Who qualifies for CCS childcare help: Parents working, in job search, or in school/training; child under 13 (or under 19 with a disability); family income ≤ 85% SMI. (workforcesouthplains.org, easttexasworkforce.org)
• What are the current income limits: For a family of 4, $7,311/month\ast \ast throughSept30,2025;risingto\ast \ast$7,670/month on Oct 1, 2025. See the table above. (easttexasworkforce.org, twc.texas.gov)
• How much will I pay each month on CCS: Copays are based on income and family size. Example at the top band (85% SMI): family of 4 pays about $512/month total. Use your Board’s calculator for your exact amount. (twc.texas.gov)
• Does CCS cover afterschool only, or summer too: It covers before/after school during the year and full‑day care during breaks and summer if you remain eligible. (twc.texas.gov)
• How long is the CCS waitlist: Varies by region; some large areas report months‑long waits; confirm your need every 90 days to stay on the list. (houstonchronicle.com, dfwjobs.com)
• What if I’m job‑hunting: Many Boards offer limited “job search” childcare (commonly up to 3 months) so you can find work; confirm with your Board. (workforcesouthplains.org)
• Is Texas ACE really free: Yes, at participating campuses; enrollment and space are managed locally by each campus/district. (tea.texas.gov)
• Where do I find free summer meals: Call 877‑TEX‑MEAL, text “FOOD” to 304‑304, or use the TDA Summer Meals site. (squaremeals.org, feedingtexas.org)
• Is Texas offering Summer EBT in 2025: No; Texas did not opt in for 2025. Use meal sites and local pantries instead. (frac.org)
• How do I check if a provider is safe: Search the HHSC Child Care database for inspections and violations and look for Texas Rising Star ratings. Search Texas Child Care. (hhs.texas.gov)

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Plan B ideas by situation

• If you work late: Ask providers about extended hours on early‑release days; some YMCAs and centers offer care until 6:30 pm with a small added fee or included in rates. (claytonyouth.org)
• If you can’t get transportation: Choose programs that pick up from your school (filter for transportation in the Availability Portal) or city programs located at your recreation center. (twc.texas.gov)
• If you’re waitlisted everywhere: Combine daily free options (Boys & Girls Club, city rec) with backup paid drop‑ins (some providers allow $30/day drop‑in afterschool). (discoverchampions.com)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team: This guide uses official sources from Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Education Agency, Texas Department of Agriculture, HHSC Child Care Regulation, city parks departments, and established nonprofits (Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA). We follow our Editorial Standards and link to official application pages, calculators, and current policy memos. Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

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Disclaimer

Important: Program rules, fees, and funding change. Always verify details with the agency or provider before you enroll or pay. We are researchers, not your legal counsel or caseworker; we cannot guarantee eligibility or outcomes. We take security seriously but cannot guarantee uninterrupted website availability or third‑party site uptime. If you spot an error, email info@asinglemother.org.

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Sources cited

• Texas ACE program details and contacts. (tea.texas.gov)
• TX3C application portal, Availability Portal, and TWC childcare program overview. (twc.texas.gov)
• CCS income limits (BCY25) and copay chart (BCY25); BCY26 SMI amounts effective Oct 1, 2025. (easttexasworkforce.org, twc.texas.gov)
• CCS provider payment rate examples for Gulf Coast and North Central (school‑age part‑time). (twc.texas.gov)
• City program fees and contacts: Houston Parks (free), Dallas OST (free residents), FWAS (free), El Paso Parks ($5/week), Austin PARD and Financial Aid, San Antonio Summer Youth. (houstontx.gov, dallasparks.org, fwisd.org, elpasotexas.gov, austintexas.gov, sa.gov)
• Boys & Girls Club fees (Houston $10/year\ast \ast ,\ast \ast$25 summer; Dallas $80/month). (bgcgh.org, bgcdallas.org)
• YMCA of Austin afterschool fees; YMCA of Dallas financial assistance. (austinymca.org, ymcadallas.org)
• Summer meal site finder and hotline; Summer EBT benefit level and Texas non‑participation 2025. (squaremeals.org, fns.usda.gov, frac.org)
• Waitlist realities reported in Texas media. (houstonchronicle.com)
• TX3C transition notices (processing delays). (content.govdelivery.com)
• HHSC Child Care Search (inspection history). (hhs.texas.gov)
• Tribal CCDF contacts and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo afterschool. (acf.hhs.gov, ysletadelsurpueblo.org)

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What to do next: Pick two programs you can start this week (one free city/club option and one CCS provider), get on the CCS waitlist, and set a reminder to confirm your spot every 90 days. Use the tables above to budget your copay and the links to enroll faster.

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🏛️More Texas Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Texas

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• 🤝 Community Support
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