$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Texas Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Texas
SSDI in Texas - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Texas - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA, 2026
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied -- most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We've helped over 10,000 clients and handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in Texas?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. This is particularly important in Texas, where Medicaid coverage for non-elderly adults is very limited.
How long does SSDI take in Texas?
Texas processes initial SSDI applications through Texas Disability Determination Services. An initial decision typically takes 3-6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Texas - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with little income who are disabled, blind, or 65+.
SSI in Texas - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with little income who are disabled, blind, or 65+.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history. It's based on need, not on what you've paid in. In most states, getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Texas does not add a state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Medicaid with SSI in Texas?
Yes. SSI approval automatically enrolls you in Texas Medicaid. No separate application needed.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
What if I need money while I'm waiting?
You may qualify for an emergency advance payment during the application process. Ask the SSA when you apply.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Texas
Monthly compensation for injuries and conditions tied to your service.
Veterans Benefits in Texas
Monthly compensation for injuries and conditions tied to your service.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS
ADDED BY THE PACT ACT
20+ conditions
New toxic-exposure conditions the VA now presumes are service connected
VA.gov
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they're combined, not simply added.
Can I get my VA rating increased?
Yes. If a service-connected condition gets worse, you can file for a higher rating and higher monthly pay.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They're separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability doesn't reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Texas
One-on-one healthcare advocacy to get the most out of your Medicare.
Healthcare Advocacy in Texas
One-on-one healthcare advocacy to get the most out of your Medicare.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Texas?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
What's the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is the federal program directly. Medicare Advantage bundles everything through a private insurer and often includes dental, vision, and extras. Turnout can help you compare the right option for your situation.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Texas
One-on-one help getting your child the IEP and school support they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Texas
One-on-one help getting your child the IEP and school support they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 - 21 enrolled in Texas public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help that they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child?
Texas schools have 45 school days to complete the evaluation after you sign consent, then 30 calendar days to hold the ARD meeting where the IEP is built.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in Texas
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Texas residents.
Medicaid in Texas
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Texas residents.
Texas Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health services, and more for those who qualify, typically at no cost. Texas is a non-expansion state, so adult eligibility is limited to pregnant women, parents with very low income, people with disabilities, and seniors. Most childless adults do not qualify, even with no income.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
4M+
Texans enrolled in Texas Medicaid as of 2026
HHSC, 2026
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
HHSC, 2026
WHAT IT COVERS
Full benefits
Doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and mental health. Children also get full dental and vision
HHSC, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children under 19 in households at or below the state's income limit
- Pregnant women at or below the state's income limit, with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Parents with very low income (among the lowest thresholds in the country)
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability
- SSI recipients are automatically enrolled
How to apply
Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com, the unified Texas portal that also screens for SNAP and TANF, or call 2-1-1 for application help in your preferred language. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in some states?
Yes. Many states use their own name, but it's the same federal program with the same core benefits.
What's the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicaid is based on income. Medicare is based mainly on age or disability. Some people qualify for both.
Who qualifies for Texas Medicaid?
Children, pregnant women, parents at very low income, seniors, and people with disabilities. Most other adults don't qualify in Texas.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Texas - Nutrition Assistance
Monthly grocery benefits on a Lone Star Card EBT, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Texas - Nutrition Assistance
Monthly grocery benefits on a Lone Star Card EBT, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP, sometimes called Food Stamps, is a federal program that helps qualifying households buy groceries. In Texas, benefits are loaded each month onto the Lone Star Card and can be used at most grocery stores, Walmart, H-E-B, and many farmers markets. Texas uses a stricter income limit than many states and also keeps an asset test, so what a household owns can affect eligibility along with income.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
3M+
Texans receive SNAP benefits each month
HHSC, 2026
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
HOW FAST APPROVAL HAPPENS
7 days
Expedited benefits for households with very low income or urgent need; standard processing up to 30 days
HHSC, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with low income that meets Texas SNAP's income limits
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Texas
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with disabilities may qualify under simpler rules
How to apply
Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com, the unified Texas portal that also screens for Medicaid and TANF, or call 2-1-1 and select Option 2 for public benefits assistance. A phone interview is required but can be done from home. Standard processing is up to 30 days, expedited within 7 days for urgent need.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in Texas?
Yes. Many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, childcare, and earned income are applied. Income alone doesn't tell the full story.
How long does SNAP approval take in Texas?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. A phone interview is required but can be done from home.
Can I use the Lone Star Card at farmers markets or online?
Yes. The Lone Star Card is accepted at most grocery stores, Walmart, Amazon, H-E-B, and many farmers markets. H-E-B, the Texas-based grocery chain, offers SNAP online ordering for curbside pickup and delivery.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC in Texas - Women, Infants & Children
Nutrition support for pregnant women, new moms, and young children.
WIC in Texas - Women, Infants & Children
Nutrition support for pregnant women, new moms, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF automatically meets WIC's income test
USDA
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF are automatically income-eligible
- Texas residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Start an application online at TexasWIC.org or call 1-800-942-3678 (1-800-WIC-FORU). A local WIC office will contact you to schedule an in-person appointment. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Texas residency, and proof of household income. If approved, you'll receive your Texas WIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food for little ones. The specific approved items are set by each state's food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Texas (CEAP)
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in Texas (CEAP)
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
Texas's Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps qualifying households pay their heating and cooling bills, with payments made directly to the utility company. The program is funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs through local community action agencies. Cooling assistance is especially important in Texas, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100F.
COOLING PRIORITY
50%
Of Texas LIHEAP funds go to cooling assistance -- reflecting the state's extreme summer heat
TDHCA 2026 LIHEAP Plan
INCOME LIMIT
150% FPL
Texas raised its income limit to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines in 2017
TDHCA 2026 LIHEAP Plan
CRISIS HELP
Up to $1,800
Crisis assistance for households facing utility shutoff or HVAC failure
TDHCA 2026 LIHEAP Plan
Who qualifies
- Texas households with income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Renters and homeowners paying energy bills, or paying energy costs included in rent
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
- Households on SNAP, TANF, SSI, or means-tested veterans programs are automatically income-eligible
How to apply
Find your local community action agency at 211texas.org or tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans and apply through them -- TDHCA does not accept applications directly from individuals. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID for all household members, proof of income, and any disconnection notice. If approved, the benefit is paid directly to your utility company.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for CEAP?
Texas uses a 150% federal poverty guidelines income limit, higher than the federal default. If you receive SNAP, TANF, SSI, or means-tested veterans benefits, you automatically meet the income test.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. CEAP payments go directly to your utility company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
Can renters apply, or only homeowners?
Both renters and homeowners can apply. If utilities are included in your rent, your local community action agency can confirm how the benefit applies. Payment may go to the landlord with proof of bill payment required.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in Texas - Health Insurance Help
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Texans.
ACA Subsidies in Texas - Health Insurance Help
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Texans.
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan purchased through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. Most Texans who don't have employer coverage and don't qualify for Medicaid can apply. The amount depends on household income, family size, and the plan you choose.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
4M+
Texans enrolled in an ACA marketplace plan for 2026
CMS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SUBSIDIES
9 in 10
Texas ACA enrollees receive premium tax credits that lower their monthly cost
CMS, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 - Dec 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage. Special enrollment available year-round for qualifying life events
HealthCare.gov
Who qualifies
- Texans without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning at or above 100% of the federal poverty level
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Texas
How to apply
Apply online at HealthCare.gov. Enter your household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, network, and covered prescriptions. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 - Dec 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or birth of a child.
Frequently asked questions
What if I missed open enrollment?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you lost coverage, got married, had a baby, or had another qualifying life event. You have 60 days from the event.
What if my income is too low for ACA subsidies?
Apply anyway. HealthCare.gov screens for Texas Medicaid and CHIP. Texas did not expand Medicaid, so adults below 100% of the federal poverty level may not qualify for either program.
How much can I save with subsidies?
It depends on your income, household size, and plan. About 9 in 10 Texas enrollees receive subsidies, applied automatically when you enroll through HealthCare.gov.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Texas - Cash Assistance
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in Texas - Cash Assistance
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in Texas provides short-term cash to families with children who have very limited income. The cash is loaded onto the Lone Star Card and can be used for any basic need, including rent, utilities, food, and transportation. The program is administered by Texas HHSC and operates under both a state lifetime limit of 12 to 36 months per adult and a federal 60-month lifetime cap.
MAXIMUM BENEFIT
Up to $382/mo
Maximum monthly benefit for a family of three with a single caretaker. Texas TANF benefits are among the lowest in the country
HHSC, FY 2026
STATE TIME LIMIT
12 to 36 months
State lifetime limit assigned per adult based on education and work history. A federal 60-month limit also applies
Texas Admin Code Ch. 372
ONE-TIME OPTION
$1,000 crisis grant
One-Time TANF provides up to $1,000 in cash for families facing a sudden crisis like job loss or medical emergency
HHSC
Who qualifies
- Texas residents responsible for a child age 18 or younger
- Households with very low income (Texas has one of the strictest TANF income limits in the country)
- Countable resources at or below $1,000 (first $4,650 of a vehicle's value is excluded)
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1, then complete a phone interview with HHSC (face-to-face only if requested). If approved, benefits are loaded onto the Lone Star Card within 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive TANF in Texas?
Texas assigns each adult a state lifetime limit of 12, 24, or 36 months based on education and work history. A federal 60-month lifetime cap also applies.
Can I receive TANF and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. TANF recipients are automatically categorically eligible for SNAP and Medicaid. Applying at YourTexasBenefits.com screens you for all three programs at once.
What if my family is in a sudden crisis?
One-Time TANF provides up to $1,000 in cash for families facing a short-term crisis like job loss, loss of housing, or a medical emergency. It can be received once per 12-month period.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in Texas
A federal tax credit that boosts the refund of low- to moderate-income workers.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in Texas
A federal tax credit that boosts the refund of low- to moderate-income workers.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. The amount depends on your income and family size, and you have to file a tax return to claim it.
WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
OWE NO TAX?
Still get cash back
The EITC is refundable, so you receive the full amount as a refund even if you owe nothing
IRS
COMMONLY MISSED
1 in 5 skip it
About 1 in 5 eligible workers don't claim the EITC, often just because they don't file a return
IRS
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children
- And more, including limits on investment income
How to apply
You claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file. Claim it for the year you qualified, and you can still file for past years you missed. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller credit, and having children increases the amount.
Can I still claim EITC if I didn't file in past years?
Often yes. You can usually claim it for a few prior years by filing a return for those years, so it's worth checking if you missed it.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Texas
A federal program that gives families a tax credit for each child in their care.
Child Tax Credit in Texas
A federal program that gives families a tax credit for each child in their care.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Texas families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. Texas does not have a separate state child tax credit, so the federal credit is what applies.
WHO IT'S FOR
Families with kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Part of the credit is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return, even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help (like VITA) walk you through Schedule 8812 and fill in the right forms for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning you can receive that amount as a cash refund even if you owe no taxes. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to qualify and claim it on Schedule 8812.
Does Texas have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. Texas does not have a state-level Child Tax Credit. The federal credit is fully available to Texas residents, but there is no additional state supplement on top of it.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Texas (CCS)
Subsidized child care for working Texas families.
Child Care Assistance in Texas (CCS)
Subsidized child care for working Texas families.
Texas Child Care Services (CCS) helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. The program is run by the Texas Workforce Commission and pays benefits directly to your chosen provider, with families paying a sliding-scale share of the cost based on income.
COST CAP
7% max
Parent share of cost will not exceed 7% of your family's household income
TWC, FY 2026
INCOME LIMIT
85% SMI
Household income limit set at 85% of the Texas State Median Income -- the federal maximum
TWC, FY 2026
WAITLIST ACTIVE
Waitlist common
Funding is limited, so eligible families may be placed on a waitlist. Apply immediately
TWC, 2026
Who qualifies
- Texas residents with a child under 13, or under 19 with a disability
- Parents who are working, looking for work, attending school, or in job training
- Households at or below 85% of the Texas State Median Income
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has legal immigration status
How to apply
Create a Parent Central account at childcare.texas.gov and submit the Eligibility Screener and Waitlist Application. A caseworker will review your application and request supporting documents like proof of income, employment, and your child's identification. If approved, choose a CCS provider within 14 days and benefits begin.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. CCS allows you to choose from any approved provider, including licensed centers, registered home daycares, and some relative caregivers. Texas Rising Star certified providers offer the highest-quality care.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A sliding-scale parent share of cost applies based on your income and family size. The parent share will not exceed 7% of your household income. CCS covers the rest, paid directly to your provider.
What happens if I'm on the waitlist?
Your application stays active while you wait. You will receive an email every 90 days asking you to confirm you want to stay on the waitlist. Wait times vary by region and by your local Workforce Solutions board's priorities.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
