Houston, Texas: Disability Resources

Houston-area resources do not all cover the same geography. The Harris County programs below serve that county, while METROLift has a defined transit service area. Check your address and the task you need help with before choosing an entry point.

Help With Benefit Applications

Harris County Public Health’s HCPH Connect offers application assistance and referrals for Harris County residents. Its listed programs include SNAP, Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs. The phone-assisted application route is described for new state applications; ask about the correct route for an existing case or renewal. Navigators help with the process, while the responsible agency determines eligibility.

Care Connection ADRC

The Houston Health Department’s Care Connection ADRC provides free, confidential information and referral assistance for older adults, veterans and people of all ages with disabilities throughout Harris County. Its resources include housing, respite, transportation and long-term care. Explain whether you need information, an application contact or support for a caregiver. Referrals do not guarantee a service opening.

METROLift Paratransit

METROLift requires an application and an in-person interview. Its instructions call for a health care professional’s certification describing why disability prevents use of other accessible METRO services. METRO decides eligibility based on functional abilities. Review the service-area maps for both trip addresses; coverage is not the same as the entire Houston region.

Keep the First Conversation Focused

• Identify your county and whether the request is for a new application or an existing case.
• Keep program notices available without sending private records to unrelated contacts.
• For care support, describe the help needed and who currently provides it.
• For METROLift, prepare the trip addresses and functional travel barriers.
• Ask whether the next step is an appointment, certification, application or referral.

Keep Federal Benefits Separate

Applications for SSDI^[1] and SSI^[2] go through the Social Security Administration. The local services above do not decide those federal benefits. Keep each program’s application, notices and follow-up steps separate.

Plan Your Next Step

Read our Disability Application Guide and Document Preparation Checklist for the federal claim process. Use the official resource links above for local applications and current contact instructions.

Explore more Texas Resources or return to the State Resource Directory.

Educational directory. Not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or the organizations listed. Inclusion is not an endorsement. Each program determines eligibility and service availability; no approval or outcome is promised.

Official Sources and References

These SSA.gov links support the explanations above. Official applications, account services, and agency forms are completed through SSA.

1. SSDI — SSA.gov
2. SSI — SSA.gov