The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) was established in September 2004 as a result of House Bill 2292 (78th Texas Legislature). DADS strives to provide a comprehensive array of aging and disability services, supports, and opportunities that are easily accessed in local communities.
Learn about all DADS services and supports — PDF in English | PDF in Spanish
Where to call to receive DADS services
Aging Texas Well — This program is designed to help Texans prepare individually for aging in all aspects of life. In addition, it provides communities with information to help them influence state and local laws, policies, and services that support aging well throughout the life span.
Children — DADS helps children with long-term medical needs. Services include care in their home or community or in a nursing home.
Compact with Texans sets forth the department's guiding principles for serving customers, and outlines how to file complaints, how the department handles inquiries, and the department's service delivery standards.
Guardianship Program — Guardianship is a legal process used to provide protection for adults who are incapacitated, as defined by the Texas Probate Code. The program transferred to DADS on Sept. 1, 2005.
Interest List Reduction Initiative — DADS received significant funding from the 79th Texas Legislature (2005) to serve additional persons from the Medicaid waiver and non-Medicaid community services interest lists.
Medicaid Estate Recovery Program — Under this program, the state may file a claim against the estate of a deceased Medicaid recipient, age 55 and older, who applied for certain long-term care services on or after March 1, 2005.
Older Texans — DADS provides the following categories of services:
- Medicaid and state-funded medical and community-based services (nursing home care, home health services, adult day care, etc.)
- Older Americans Act services (benefits counseling, nutrition, transportation, senior centers, and information and referral)
Persons with mental retardation — DADS seeks to improve the quality of life for Texans with mental retardation or developmental disabilities by providing services and supports to allow individuals to lead lives of dignity and independence. Services are provided in the community as well as state schools.
Persons with physical disabilities — DADS provides a variety of Medicaid and state-funded medical and community-based services including nursing home care, home health services, and attendant services.
Prescription drug assistance — The Texas Cares website is designed to help older Texans and people with disabilities get information about resources that may help them obtain their prescription drugs.
Promoting Independence — Texas' Promoting Independence initiative supports allowing an individual with a disability to live in the most appropriate care setting available.
Reporting problems — Information on how to report fraud, waste, and abuse as well as problems with home health services, ICF/MRs, and nursing homes.
Systems Change Grants — Significant innovation and progress in Texas can be tied to the five Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Systems Change Grants, which include Money Follows the Person Grant, Service Responsibility Option, Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement, Texas Long-term Care Access (System Navigation), and Treatment Alternatives for Children.
Find and compare long-term care services and supports providers — The Quality Reporting System website allows users to locate and compare assisted living centers, nursing homes, and intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation.
Find help in your home or community — The Quality Reporting System website allows users to locate adult day care centers and home health services in their communities.
Find your local Area Agencies on Aging — You can find one of the 28 affiliated Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) by calling toll-free 1-800-252-9240 or looking in our online directory. The AAAs provide benefits counseling, long-term care ombudsman services, and a variety of services funded through the Older Americans Act.
Yourtexasbenefits.com offers easy and secure online access to benefits including Medicaid, Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Children's Health Insurance, and nursing home care and other services for people who are elderly or have disabilities.
How to apply for service — Eligibility for some DADS programs, such as community care, nursing home and mental retardation services, is based on a person's income and resources. Other services, such as those provided through the local Area Agencies on Aging, are available to all persons age 60 and older.
Note: For services not provided by DADS, please visit the Texas Health and Human Services website.
Updated: July 17, 2008