Merkel
Ask about Merkel
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Merkel and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Merkel
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Older adults · City office
Merkel Senior Center
Help here
- Senior meals and Meals on WheelsAdults age 60 and older can ask about hot lunches, and homebound residents can ask about weekday meal delivery.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on merkeltexas.com
Housing help · Regional office
Housing Authority of Merkel
731 North 1st Street, Merkel, TX 79536
Help here
- Public housing assistanceContact the housing authority to ask about local public housing assistance.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on hud.gov
Utilities · City office
Merkel Water Utilities
100 Kent Street, Merkel, TX 79536
Help here
- Water and sewer bills and servicePay a water bill, ask about an account, or request new or changed water service.Apply online
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on merkeltexas.com
Library · City office
Merkel Public Library
100 Kent Street, Merkel, TX 79536
Help here
- Library materials and public computersUse the library's books, public computers, printing, copying, and fax services.Read more
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on merkel.ploud.net
Local office · City office
Merkel City Hall
100 Kent Street, Merkel, TX 79536
Help here
- City services and informationContact City Hall for information about city services, meetings, and public facilities.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on merkeltexas.com
Parks and recreation · City office
Heritage Hall Community Center
111 Taylor Street, Merkel, TX 79536
Help here
- Community center rentalContact City Hall to ask about renting Heritage Hall for a community gathering.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on merkeltexas.com
Checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Merkel
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Food Bank of West Central Texas
5505 N. First, Abilene, TX 79603
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Rolling Plains Management Corporation
PO Box 490, Crowell, TX 79227-0490
Listed on tdhca.texas.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Taylor County
Merkel is in Taylor County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Taylor County Social Services
400 Oak St., Suite 202, Abilene, TX 79602
Help here
- General Assistance ProgramContact the office to ask about county assistance for residents in need.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on taylorcounty.texas.gov
Public health · Regional office
Abilene-Taylor County WIC Clinic
850 North 6th Street, Abilene, TX 79601
Help here
- WIC benefitsThe clinic helps eligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children get WIC food benefits and nutrition support.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on abilenetx.gov
Housing help · Regional office
Abilene Housing Authority
1149 E South 11th Street, Abilene, TX 79602
Help here
- Public housing and housing choice vouchersGet information about public housing and housing choice voucher programs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on abileneha.org
Public health · Regional office
Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District
850 North 6th Street, Abilene, TX 79601
Help here
- Public health servicesThe district offers local health services, including immunizations and public health information.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on abilenetx.gov
Courts and legal help · County office
Taylor County Law Library
300 Oak St., Suite 301, Abilene, TX 79602
Help here
- Legal research resourcesResidents can use legal books and research tools and get help locating materials.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on taylorcounty.texas.gov
Older adults · Regional office
West Central Texas Area Agency on Aging
3702 Loop 322, Abilene, TX 79602
Help here
- Aging services and supportGet information and help finding services for older adults and their caregivers.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on wctcog.org
Texas programs by kind of help
These are run by Texas and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- 2-1-1 Texas
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988