The Central Texas Aging, Disability & Veterans Resource Center (CTADVRC), through funding from the Department of Veteran Affairs assists Veterans and their dependents in determining resources that are available to them. The CTADVRC provides Veterans, active military and their family assistance through the following four programs:

Central Texas Vet-Ride ProgramCentral Texas Vet-Ride Program

The Central Texas Vet-Ride program will provide veterans and their dependents transportation services including daily, weekly, or monthly, ride-share services in local area in support of basic needs, work, school, medical appointments, or other non-social events or activities.

Veterans Options Counseling

Our Veteran Options Counselors provide Veterans over the age of 60 and/or with disabilities decision supports regarding long-term service and support options available in the community.  The Veteran or family caregiver receives information on options which may include services available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Commission; or civilian community services.

Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services Program (VDHCBS)

Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services provides Veterans of all ages the opportunity to receive consumer-directed Home and Community Based Services. VDHCBS is for Veterans who need skilled services, case management, and assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing and getting dressed) or instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., fixing meals and taking medicines), are isolated or their caregiver is experiencing burden.

Through this program Veterans and their caregivers have more choice and control over their long-term care services. Referrals to this program must come through the Central Texas Veterans Health Care.  The CTADVRC can provide information about the program and its services.

  • Serves Veterans of any age who are at risk for Nursing Home Placement and their family caregivers.
  • Provides Veterans with the opportunity to receive home and community based services that allow them to live in their homes and communities.
  • YOU the Veteran can recruit, hire and train your own employees and backup employees (including family, friends or neighbors)
  • YOU set wages and benefits for your employees based on a service budget created with the help of your VD-HCBS Consultant
  • YOU set schedules and submit time sheets for your employees

We assist YOU with a Service Consultant and Financial Management Services that will:

  • Assist you to work out a Service Plan that works for YOU
  • Process your timesheets and payroll
  • Process receipts and invoices
  • Act as your agent to pay federal and state employment taxes

How do I get into the VD-HCBS Program?

The VA Medical Center will identify Veterans who are eligible for the Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services Program and refer you to the AREA Agency on Aging of Central Texas. To start the process, contact the Social Worker assigned to your Medical Clinic (e.g. Maroon, Gold, Green, etc) to let VA know you want to enter the Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Program and direct your own care support.

Eligibility Guidelines

All Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system are eligible.

The Veteran is “in need of nursing home care” and interested in consumer directed care. AND one or more of these conditions is met:

  • 3 or more activities of Daily Living dependencies
  • Significant cognitive impairment
  • Receiving Hospice Services or three or more Instrumental activities of daily living
  • Recently discharged from a Nursing Facility
  • 75 years or older
  • 2 hospitalizations or 12 outpatient clinic or emergency evaluations
  • Clinically depressed
  • Lives alone

*** Even if the Veteran does not meet any criteria but is still clinically determined by the local VAMC to need services the VD-HCBS is a possible program for the Vet.

If you choose the Veteran’s Directed Home and Community Based Services Program you, or your designated representative, will:

  • Recruit, hire and train your own employees and backup employees (including family, friends or neighbors)
  • Set wages and benefits for your employees based on a service budget created with the help of your VDHCBS Consultant
  • Set schedules and submit timesheets for your employees
  • Have a Financial Management Service that will:
    • Process your timesheets, payroll, and employee taxes
    • Process receipts and invoices

Additional Resources

Open Texas Veterans Portal website in a new window
veterans.portal.texas.gov

The Texas Veterans Portal is a resource for veterans, their families, and their survivors. We have compiled helpful information from many government agencies here so you can find the assistance, services, and benefits you need. For immediate assistance, call 2-1-1 or 1-800-252-VETS (8387).

Open My Base Guide website in a new window
www.mybaseguide.com

MyBaseGuide is the most recognized and trusted resource for military base guide, phone directory, maps and information available for the military. With over 150 installations throughout CONUS, Alaska and Hawaii you will quickly find up to the minute base information covering all branches of the military including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Joint Bases.

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Texas Veterans app

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has developed a mobile phone app to give Texas veterans quick access to crisis hotlines and other resources.

The app, which can be downloaded from both Google Play and the App Store, works on most iPhones and Android mobile phones. It provides information about local, state and national resources available to Texas military veterans.

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Bell County Veteran’s Service Office

The Bell County Veterans Service Office is dedicated to assisting Veterans and other eligible persons of Bell County with obtaining department of Veteran’s Affairs benefits.

The goal of this office is to educate Veterans about the VA and its benefits and to empower the veteran with knowledge in order to make informed decisions and obtain favorable outcomes. Claim assistance is also provided as well as VA Claims training and education.

To schedule an appointment: 1-254-933-5915

The State of Texas Bell County
www.bellcountytx.com