Start here: Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle / Panhandle ADRC — 1-855-937-2372
- A single free call connects Amarillo-area seniors and family caregivers to benefits counseling, in-home care, nutrition programs, transportation, and referrals across every category in this guide.
Federal Nutrition: How to apply for SNAP and CSFP in state
Two federal programs put food and grocery dollars directly in seniors' hands: SNAP (food benefits loaded onto a Lone Star Card you use like a debit card) and CSFP (a free monthly box of shelf-stable foods for adults 60+). Both are administered by the State of Texas and both are worth applying for even if you're unsure you'll qualify — income limits are higher than most people expect.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
SNAP provides a monthly Lone Star Card seniors use like a debit card for groceries. Texas residents 60 and older, including those on a fixed income or Social Security, can qualify — households with an elderly (60+) or disabled member get a higher asset limit and can deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses, which often increases the benefit amount.
- Apply online: Create an account and apply through the Your Texas Benefits portal YourTexasBenefits.com ↗
- Apply by phone: Texas Health and Human Services 2-1-1 Texas / SNAP line — dial 2-1-1 (Option 2), or call 1-877-541-7905 hhs.texas.gov ↗
- Help applying in person: High Plains Food Bank offers Benefit Assistance to help residents apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits — (806) 374-8562 hpfb.org ↗
- What you'll need: Photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income (Social Security/pension award letters), proof of residency, and housing/utility costs
- Interview: An HHSC caseworker reviews the application and conducts an eligibility interview, often by phone
- Timeline: Standard applications are decided within 30 calendar days; households meeting immediate-need criteria can qualify for expedited service within 7 calendar days
- Simplified renewal for seniors: The Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP) reduces paperwork and reporting requirements for households that are entirely elderly or disabled and receive no earned income hhs.texas.gov/tsap ↗
- Help applying: The Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle can help seniors work through the SNAP application at no cost theprpc.org ↗
- Eligibility: Age 60+ and income at or below USDA CSFP guidelines; applicants can self-declare income and bring valid ID
- High Plains Food Bank — Senior Adult Food Program: 1910 SE 8th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79102 — contact Josh Brown, (806) 350-6376 — monthly distribution at 15+ sites across the Panhandle, including Amarillo senior apartment communities hpfb.org ↗
- Homebound option: Seniors who can't pick up their box in person may assign a proxy (friend, family member, or caregiver) using a downloadable proxy form
SNAP income and asset limits are adjusted annually — a benefits counselor at the Area Agency on Aging can give you the current figures and estimate what you'd receive before you apply.
CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program)
CSFP is a separate USDA program specifically for adults 60 and older (no SNAP application required, though you can receive both). Once a month, participants pick up a 25–30 lb box of shelf-stable groceries plus a 2 lb block of cheese — canned fruit and vegetables, cereal, pasta, canned meat or fish, beans, peanut butter, and milk products.
CSFP has limited funding and can have a waiting list in some areas — the Area Agency on Aging (806-331-2227) or dialing 2-1-1 can also help confirm current availability.
State and Local Nutrition: Local meals on wheels, food pantries, community meals, etc.
Meals on Wheels
Amarillo Meals on Wheels delivers hot, nutritious meals to homebound elderly and severely disabled residents unable to prepare meals for themselves.
- Amarillo Meals on Wheels: 7550 Outlook Dr., Amarillo, TX 79106 — (806) 374-1521 — info@amarillomealsonwheels.org amarillomealsonwheels.org ↗
- How to sign up: Complete the Client Application (available in English or Spanish) on the website, or call to request a referral
- AniMeals — free pet food and veterinary services for the dogs and cats of enrolled Meals on Wheels clients
Congregate Meals & Senior Centers
- Wesley Community Center — Senior Program: 1615 S. Roberts St., Amarillo, TX 79102 — (806) 372-7960 — Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. — free program for adults 55+ meeting HUD income guidelines; includes free transportation and meals wesleyamarillo.org ↗
- Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle — Nutrition Programs: Coordinates congregate and home-delivered meal funding across the 26-county Panhandle region theprpc.org ↗
Food Pantries in Amarillo
Free groceries and pantry staples — no SNAP enrollment required. Hours change seasonally, so call before visiting.
- High Plains Food Bank: Administrative office: 1910 SE 8th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79102; warehouse/volunteers: 815 Ross St., Amarillo, TX 79102 — (806) 374-8562 — regional food bank supplying partner pantries across the Texas Panhandle hpfb.org ↗
- Ask High Plains Food Bank for its current partner-agency referral list, which combines emergency assistance and weekly distribution sites across Amarillo and Canyon
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): Distributed through High Plains Food Bank and local partner pantries — ask any participating pantry whether they currently distribute TEFAP food
Community Meal Programs
- Wesley Community Center: Free potluck gatherings and meals are part of the senior day program (see above) — (806) 372-7960
Dial 2-1-1 (Texas Health and Human Services' free referral line) to confirm same-day food pantry hours near you and screen for SNAP and other benefits.
Elder Care: Caregiver assistance, local area on aging, etc.
Amarillo's aging-services system runs through the Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle, part of the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission (PRPC), and the Panhandle Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) — the single entry point for benefits counseling, in-home care referrals, and caregiver support across the Texas Panhandle.
Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle
- What it does: Caregiver support, home care options, Medicare benefits counseling, nutrition programs, ombudsman services, transportation, and public education for older adults theprpc.org ↗
- Address: 415 SW 8th Ave. (PO Box 9257), Amarillo, TX 79105
- Phone: (806) 331-2227, or toll-free 1-800-642-6008
- Director: Debra King — dking@theprpc.org
Programs coordinated through the Area Agency on Aging include:
- Caregiver Support — assistance for families caring for older adults or people with dementia
- Home Care Options — in-home support for post-hospitalization recovery
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman — advocacy for nursing home and assisted-living residents
- Medicare Benefits Counseling — guidance on coverage and healthcare planning
- Nutrition — congregate and home-delivered meal coordination
- Transportation — accessible ride referrals for eligible older adults
Panhandle Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
- Address / phone: 415 SW 8th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101 — toll-free 1-855-937-2372 panhandleadrc.org ↗
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman referrals
- MIPPA — help understanding and applying for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help
- Housing Navigator services for seniors and people with disabilities
Other Elder Care Contacts
- 2-1-1 Texas: Statewide referral line for benefits, housing, and general assistance — dial 2-1-1 211texas.org ↗
- Texas Adult Protective Services (elder abuse/neglect concerns): 1-800-252-5400 — 24-hour hotline; anonymous reports accepted dfps.texas.gov ↗
Transportation: Senior transportation
Amarillo City Transit (ACT) offers fixed-route buses at a 50% reduced fare for riders 65+, plus ACT-Connect certified paratransit for riders who can't use the regular bus.
Amarillo City Transit — Fixed-Route Bus
- Reduced fare: 50% off regular fares (single ride, day pass, or monthly pass) for riders 65+ amarillo.gov ↗
- How to get a Reduced Fare ID: Bring a photo ID or Medicare card to 509 S Bowie St. or 801 SE 23rd Ave., Amarillo — Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — to receive a blue-striped Reduced Fare Identification Card
- Already have ACT-Connect ID?: No separate reduced fare card needed — use your ACT-Connect card for fixed-route reduced fares too
ACT-Connect — ADA Paratransit
Certified door-to-door service for riders who cannot navigate or physically use the accessible fixed-route buses.
- Eligibility & application: Requires a completed application, signed release of information, physician certification form, and an in-person interview — call (806) 378-3095 to schedule; free round-trip rides to ACT offices are available for the interview amarillo.gov ↗
- Fares: $2.00 one-way within the service area; $4.00 outside the service area; children 5 and under ride free; a 20-ride booklet is $36.00
- Hours: Service: Monday–Saturday, 6:20 a.m.–6:25 p.m.; reservations: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Contact: (806) 378-3095 — connect@amarillo.gov — TTY 7-1-1
Other Transportation Help
- Wesley Community Center: Provides free transportation to and from its senior day program for enrolled participants — (806) 372-7960 wesleyamarillo.org ↗
- Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle — Transportation: Ask about additional accessible ride referrals for eligible older adults — (806) 331-2227 theprpc.org ↗
- Non-emergency medical transportation (Medicaid): If you have Texas Medicaid, your managed care plan covers rides to medical appointments — call the member services number on your Medicaid card, or ask the Area Agency on Aging for a referral
- Healthcare Assistance:
- Rx Assistance:
- Medicare Rx Assistance:
- Insulin Assistance:
- EyeCare America: eligible patients can receive a free eye exam plus a one year follow up for any condition diagnosed in the initial exam.
- National Institute of Health: provides information for several organizations that can assist with eye exams, eyeglasses, and eye-related prescriptions.
- National Ramp: provides information and resources for obtaining a ramp.
- Paying for Senior Care: provides information for state assistance programs for Durable Medical Equipment.
- Veterans Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (Veterans- press 1)
- Adult Maltreatment Hotline: 800-482-8049
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Crisis Services & Suicide Prevention: Dial 988
- Find a therapist near you: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists?_gl=1*x3iy7y*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjw48TUBhBREiwAK0GnQZuO0hNamNqZlvJkmJHaXgRIPKNmtZCT3jHqxT85b1kkkoj9UyDHNRoC5AkQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD_gfuxg6_pZY8xE_bJbsGAHGufk2
Housing: Rental assistance, home cleaning and repair assistance, utility assistance, etc.
Rental Assistance
- City of Amarillo Community Development — Housing Office: Simms Municipal Building, 808 S Buchanan St., 1st Floor, Amarillo, TX 79101 — (806) 378-3098 — housing@amarillo.gov amarillo.gov ↗
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program — federal rental assistance for low-income families, elderly, and disabled residents
- Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) — rental subsidies for eligible low-income individuals (check current application status)
- Waitlists open periodically rather than staying open year-round — call or check the website for current status
- Emergency rent help: Dial 2-1-1 to screen for whichever local rental-assistance fund is currently accepting applications 211texas.org ↗
Utility Assistance
CEAP (the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program) helps pay electric and gas bills for income-eligible households, with priority given to households with elderly members, disabled individuals, and young children.
- Panhandle Community Services — CEAP: 1309 SW 8th Ave., Plaza C, Amarillo, TX 79101 — (806) 372-2531, or toll-free 1-800-676-4727 — serves Amarillo and a 25-county Panhandle region; ask for Angie Ascencio, ext. 225 pcsvcs.org ↗
- What you'll need: Proof of income, Social Security cards for the household, a recent utility bill, and a valid ID
Home Repair & Weatherization
- Panhandle Community Services — Weatherization Assistance Program: 1309 SW 8th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101 — (806) 372-2531 (ask for Ken Rusler, ext. 220) — free weatherization (insulation, air sealing, furnace/AC repair) for income-eligible households, with priority for households with seniors, disabled persons, or young children pcsvcs.org ↗
- City of Amarillo — CARE Program: One-time assistance for critical home repairs addressing safety hazards — check current application status with the Housing Office at (806) 378-3098 amarillo.gov ↗
- Amarillo Habitat for Humanity: (806) 342-1163 — primarily a new-home construction program; call to ask whether a current repair program is available for seniors amarillohabitat.org ↗
For any home-repair referral, start with the Area Agency on Aging (806-331-2227) or the Panhandle ADRC's Housing Navigator (1-855-937-2372) — they maintain the current list of active repair and weatherization programs.
Enrichment: Senior centers, community activities, etc.
Amarillo has two major hubs for senior activities: the Amarillo Senior Citizens Association (55+ Club) and the Wesley Community Center's senior day program.
Amarillo Senior Citizens Association (55+ Club)
- Address / phone: 2404 SW 6th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79106 — (806) 374-5500 55plusclub.org ↗
- Eligibility: Open to adults 55 and older
- Poker Club, exercise classes, quilting, dancing, table tennis, pool/billiards, dominoes, bridge
- Mission: helping seniors maintain independence, wellness, and quality of life through programs and services
Wesley Community Center — Senior Program
- Address / phone: 1615 S. Roberts St., Amarillo, TX 79102 — (806) 372-7960 — Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. wesleyamarillo.org ↗
- Eligibility: Adults 55+ meeting HUD low/very-low/extremely-low income guidelines; program is free, with transportation and meals included
- Excursions and potluck gatherings
- Weekly blood pressure screenings
- Sewing club, dominoes, cards, billiards, bingo, and exercise programs
Sponsored in part by United Way of Amarillo and Canyon.
Other Enrichment Options
- Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle — Public Education & Outreach: Workshops and community education events for older adults theprpc.org ↗
- Amarillo Public Library branches often host free classes, tech-help sessions, and book clubs open to seniors
- Faith communities across Amarillo often run their own senior fellowship groups and outings
- AARP Texas may offer additional classes or health/wellness programming for older adults — the Area Agency on Aging can help with a referral
Quick-Reference Directory
Every organization in this guide, in one place — call the first number when in doubt, or tap the link to open the website.
|
Organization |
Phone |
Address / Coverage |
Website |
|
Area Agency on Aging of the Panhandle (start here) |
(806) 331-2227 |
415 SW 8th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79105 |
|
|
Panhandle ADRC |
1-855-937-2372 |
415 SW 8th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101 |
|
|
2-1-1 Texas |
2-1-1 |
Statewide referral line |
|
|
Your Texas Benefits (SNAP online) |
1-877-541-7905 |
Online application portal |
|
|
High Plains Food Bank (incl. CSFP) |
(806) 374-8562 |
1910 SE 8th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79102 |
|
|
Amarillo Meals on Wheels |
(806) 374-1521 |
7550 Outlook Dr., Amarillo, TX 79106 |
|
|
Wesley Community Center — Senior Program |
(806) 372-7960 |
1615 S. Roberts St., Amarillo, TX 79102 |
|
|
Amarillo Senior Citizens Association (55+ Club) |
(806) 374-5500 |
2404 SW 6th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79106 |
|
|
Amarillo City Transit / ACT-Connect |
(806) 378-3095 |
Serves the City of Amarillo |
|
|
City of Amarillo Housing Office |
(806) 378-3098 |
808 S Buchanan St., Amarillo, TX 79101 |
|
|
Panhandle Community Services (CEAP & weatherization) |
(806) 372-2531 |
1309 SW 8th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101 |
|
|
Texas Adult Protective Services (24-hr hotline) |
1-800-252-5400 |
Statewide |
This guide was compiled in September 2026 from public sources and organization websites. Programs, hours, funding, and eligibility rules change — please call ahead to confirm before a visit or application, especially for waitlisted programs like Section 8 housing and CSFP.