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Paying for care in Texas

Getting paid to care for a family member in Texas

Yes. In Texas, a family member can be paid to give care through Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option.

Respite care for family caregivers in Texas

Yes. In Texas, family caregivers can get respite through three programs on record: Respite care (STAR+PLUS HCBS program), Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and Texas Lifespan Respite Care Program.

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Programs on record

How to apply

STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program

How to apply

Ask to be placed on the STAR+PLUS HCBS program interest list by contacting the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Interest List Management unit, or your managed care organization (MCO) if you are already enrolled in STAR+PLUS. When you are released from the list, you confirm your interest and submit Form H1200, Application for Assistance, Your Texas Benefits.

Source: 1200, STAR+PLUS HCBS Program Eligibility, STAR+PLUS Program Support Unit Operational Procedures Handbook (Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Revision 25-2, June 6, 2025)Checked

Phone

844-438-5658

The number HHSC intake staff give for adding yourself to the STAR+PLUS HCBS interest list. You can also add yourself at YourTexasBenefits.com. HHSC's Interest List Reduction page gives 1-877-438-5658 for adding a name to the interest lists for waiver programs.

Source: 2200, Intake Procedures, Community Care Services Eligibility Handbook (Texas Health and Human Services Commission)Checked

Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option

How to apply

Your MCO service coordinator must explain the CDS option when you enroll and at least once a year. You can ask your service coordinator for information or for help enrolling in CDS at any time, and the coordinator must respond within five business days. The coordinator goes over Form 1582, Consumer Directed Services Responsibilities, with you, including a self-assessment, and helps you appoint a designated representative if you need one.

Source: STAR+PLUS Handbook (Texas Health and Human Services Commission)Checked

Respite care (STAR+PLUS HCBS program)

How to apply

Respite must be authorized on your individual service plan before it is delivered, and it cannot be authorized after the fact. Ask your MCO service coordinator, who documents the respite you need. In an emergency, the provider must contact the MCO for authorization first.

Source: STAR+PLUS Handbook (Texas Health and Human Services Commission)Checked

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

How to apply

Call the AAA toll-free line, which connects you with your local Area Agency on Aging.

Services are targeted to those with greatest economic and social need.

Source: Area Agencies on Aging (Texas Health and Human Services)Checked

Phone

1-800-252-9240

Source: Area Agencies on Aging (Texas Health and Human Services)Checked

Texas Lifespan Respite Care Program

How to apply

Contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) serving your area. HHSC allocates the program's respite funding to the state's 28 ADRCs. The program is called Take Time Texas, and its online respite search lists respite providers.

Source: Texas Respite Advisory Committee Annual Report, FY 2025 (Texas Health and Human Services Commission, revised 08/2025)Checked

Phone

855-YES-ADRC (855-937-2372)

Aging and Disability Resource Centers.

Source: Inventory of State-Funded Aging Services and Programs 2025 (Texas Health and Human Services Commission, revised 10/2025)Checked

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