Texas In-Home & Family Support Program

Program Description

Texas’ In-Home and Family Support Program (IH/FSP) is also referred as the Community Services IHFS Grant. These grants are intended to provide support to physically disabled individuals who do not also have intellectual disabilities in the interest of preserving their independence. This can include persons with lifelong disabilities, those acquired through normal aging, or those that result from a medical condition, such as a muscular or nervous system disorder. The objective of the program is to offer financial support that will enable them to continue living independently in their home and not be institutionalized. IHFS participants can be granted up to $3,600 / year in financial assistance. Approximately 6,000 Texans receive the grant each year and they are given considerable flexibility as to how they spend the grant.

Eligibility Guidelines

In order to qualify for IH/FSP, Texas residents must be over 4 years old. They must have a physical disability, as determined by a medical doctor, which functionally limits their ability to live independently. However, the majority of grants are given to persons 65 years and older. An individual’s income is also considered a factor. Those who have annual incomes equivalent to or below the Texas median income are eligible and a co-payment is not required. As of 2017, this amount is $37,080 / year for a single individual and $48,488 /year for two-person households. Persons whose income exceeds that amount may still be eligible, but they will be required to make a co-payment. For example, persons who have an annual income at 105% of the Texas median income are required to pay a 10% co-payment. For single individuals, this amount equates to $38,934 / year and for two-person households this amount equates to $50,912 / year. Those who are at 150% of Texas median income are required to pay 100% of the service fees. For single individuals annual income is limited to $55,620, and for two-person households annual income limit is $72,732. An individual’s resources or assets are not a factor in eligibility.

Benefits and Services

IH/FSP participants are given considerable flexibility in how they spend their annual grant. The grant amount can be up to $3,600, and services and supports may include the following:

• Assistive Technology
• Assistive Technology Training
• Attendant Care
• Counseling
• Durable Medical Equipment
• Environmental Adaptations
• Health Services
• Home Health Aides
• Home Modifications (to accommodate for their disability)
• Homemaker Services
• Out-of-pocket medication costs
• Respite Care
• Transportation

How to Apply / Learn More

The IHFS Program is available statewide. However, there may be waiting lists in certain areas of the state. Contact your local Department of Aging and Disability office to apply. One can also learn more on the Health and Human Services website.