Child & Family Assistance Resources in Texas
Last updated September 11, 2026
Texas families facing financial hardship, food insecurity, housing instability, or child welfare concerns have access to a wide network of state and federally funded programs. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) administers most of the major benefit programs in the state, including food assistance, health coverage, and cash aid. The fastest way to find out what you qualify for is to apply online through YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1 Texas, a free statewide helpline available 24/7 in multiple languages.
For families involved with — or seeking help from — the child welfare system, Texas DFPS (Department of Family and Protective Services) oversees Child Protective Services, foster care, and adoption support. DFPS also funds prevention and family support services across the state; your local DFPS office or a 2-1-1 referral can connect you to the right team. If a child is in immediate danger, call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 (available 24/7).
If your family is in crisis — whether due to domestic violence, a mental health emergency, or sudden homelessness — specialized hotlines and local Continuums of Care can help you find safe shelter and support quickly. Scroll down for key programs, or call 2-1-1 to speak with a specialist who can match you to resources in your specific county.
Key programs in Texas
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — Texas
Monthly food benefits loaded onto a Lone Star Card (EBT) to help low-income individuals and families buy groceries at participating retailers.
How to access: Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, visit your local Texas HHSC benefits office, or call 2-1-1 for help completing an application. Eligibility is based on household size and income.
Medicaid & CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) — Texas
Free or low-cost health coverage for children, pregnant women, adults with disabilities, and qualifying low-income adults. CHIP covers children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
How to access: Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or call Texas HHSC at 1-800-252-8263. Applications can also be submitted at local HHSC offices or through many hospitals and community health centers.
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children) — Texas
Provides nutrition benefits, healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5.
How to access: Contact your local Texas WIC clinic — find one at texaswic.org or call 1-800-942-3678. Appointments can be done in person or, in many areas, by phone or video.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) — Texas
Short-term cash assistance for families with children, paired with employment services and support to help parents move toward self-sufficiency.
How to access: Apply through YourTexasBenefits.com or at a local Texas HHSC office. A caseworker will review your household's income, assets, and participation requirements.
Texas DFPS — Child Protective Services & Family Support
Investigates reports of child abuse and neglect, provides family preservation services, and supports foster and adoptive families. Prevention programs are also available to families under stress before a crisis occurs.
How to access: To report abuse or neglect, call the 24/7 Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or report online at txabusehotline.org. For general family support services in your area, call 2-1-1 or visit dfps.texas.gov.
Child & Family Assistance resources for Texas
Our Lady of the Angels Maternity Shelter OLAMS
OLAMS distributes items such as diapers, formula, and car seats throughout Texas (items distributed depend on current availability).
BCHD/Family Planning
Helping Hands Ministry of Belton
Children in need of school supplies, clothing, and other essentials to start the school year off on the right foot.
Texas Diaper Bank
Provides free baby diapers, wipes, and essential supplies every quarter to families with children aged 0–36 months.
Alliance for Period Supplies
NationwideProvide period products to school students. Toolkit link: https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Printable-PPiS-graphic-August-2026.pdf
American Pregnancy Association
NationwideTalk to a Pregnancy Educator. Essential Pregnancy Tools & Resources
Babylist
NationwideEach Hello Baby Box includes a mix of samples, trial-size products, and special offers. You may receive items like: Diapers and wipes Bottles and pacifiers, Bibs or baby hats, Skincare or wellness samples Coupons or gift cards from partner brands. The contents of each box vary based on product availability and brand partnerships. Create a Babylist registry today to be eligible for a free baby box full of goodies for you and baby! Put anything onto your baby registry from any store.
Breast Pumps Through Insurance
NationwideFill out our Qualify Through Insurance Form with your due date and basic health insurance information—you’ll need your insurance card for this step. You can fill out the form to confirm your insurance coverage at any point during your pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.
Cribs for Kids At Home
NationwideOrders must be placed through the Cribs for Kids Partner Store and shipping will be arranged through UPS.
I Support The Girls
NationwideProvides essential items like bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products.
Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin
NationwideDonor human milk provides access to life-saving pasteurized breast milk to critically ill infants in the first few days and weeks. DSHS uses Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) standards to determine minimum Texas human donor milk bank guidelines. Texas HMBANA milk bank locations are Mothers Milk Bank Austin and Mothers Milk Bank North Texas. Both locations offer programs that include access to donor human milk for healthy infants needing added feeding support.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
NationwideProfessional counselors answer Hotline calls, texts, and chats. They may be licensed health care professionals, certified educators, or specialists.
Share The Love
NationwideThrough this program, low-income families who receive assistance from programs like WIC and TANF may be able to receive a set of CLOTH diapers — for free. Locations: https://www.cottonbabieslove.com/locations/
She Supply
NationwideProvide free feminine hygiene products and undergarments to shelters and other nonprofits in the DFW metroplex.
Tiny Treasures Milk Bank
NationwidePays for all of your donor qualification expenses. Provides you with free breastmilk storage bags and shipping coolers for donations. Pays for the shipping of your breastmilk donations
WIC Breastfeeding Support
NationwideWIC Program teaches her how to breastfeed. Once she’s had her baby, WIC provides peer counseling and support as well as breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies. Breastfeeding moms on WIC also receive more food and for a longer time period.
Other resources in Texas
- Housing Assistance in Texas
- Food Assistance in Texas
- Utility Assistance in Texas
- Transportation Assistance in Texas
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in Texas
- Mental Health Resources in Texas
- Domestic Violence Resources in Texas
- Disability Resources in Texas
- Veteran Resources in Texas
- Senior Resources in Texas