Help aging out of foster care in Texas
We've found 7 places in Texas for people aging out of foster care, mostly in Houston, and 6 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with benefits & cash (4), shelter & housing (3) and id & documents (3).
What's different in Texas
$22. Mail orders must be notarized; in person, bring an original acceptable ID. Homeless youth can get one free, without a parent's consent.
Covers ages 18 to 26. If you turned 18 before January 1, 2023, you must have aged out in Texas. If you turned 18 on or after that date, you can have aged out in any state while on Medicaid. You must live in Texas.
Tuition and fees are waived at state-supported colleges for youth who were in state care on qualifying dates, and for some youth adopted from state care. Get a signed waiver letter from Preparation for Adult Living staff and take it to the registrar. Enroll before your 27th birthday.
From our guides, where every fact links to its official source.
Places in Texas
2-1-1 Texas
Free information and referral line for food, housing, health care, utility help and other local services anywhere in Texas. Dial 2-1-1 or the toll-free number, or use the English or Spanish live chat on the website.
Texas Foster Youth Justice Project
Free legal help for current and former foster youth, as well as young people who are homeless or lack family support. Also publishes plain-language guides on ID documents, Medicaid, housing, education and juvenile or criminal records.
Covenant House Texas
Houston crisis shelter and housing continuum for young people experiencing homelessness, open around the clock. Walk in or call to be connected to housing programs and supportive services.
Vital Statistics Section
State office that issues certified Texas birth and death certificates and verifies marriage and divorce records. Orders can be placed online around the clock, by mail, in person, or through local county offices; you must be a qualified requester with acceptable ID and the fee.
Preparation for Adult Living (PAL)
DFPS program for youth 16 and older in foster care who are likely to stay in care until 18, with services available until the 21st birthday. Covers a life-skills assessment and training, a transitional living allowance of up to $1,000, and aftercare room-and-board help of up to $500 a month for ages 18 to 21.
Texas Identification Card
How to get a state ID card from DPS: fill out form DL-14A, book an appointment at a driver license office, bring proof of citizenship or lawful presence, Texas residency, identity and Social Security number, then pay the fee. A temporary card is issued on the spot and the permanent card arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
Your Texas Benefits
The state's online portal to apply for SNAP food benefits, TANF cash help, Medicaid and CHIP health coverage, WIC, and support services. Applications can also be made at an HHSC benefit office or community partner.
National lines that work in Texas
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.