Civil Rights Office

What We Do

As it relates to the delivery of services, the Civil Rights Office has the following responsibilities:

  • Investigate complaints of discrimination made by clients and people applying for benefits.
  • Respond to inquiries from clients and people applying for benefits about civil rights.
  • Provide training and guidance to staff who provide services.
  • Take other appropriate steps and actions to ensure compliance with civil rights laws and regulations to prevent discrimination in the provision of services.
  • Conduct periodic compliance reviews of offices, programs, and contractors to ensure accessibility of programs and services.

Civil Rights Protection

Agency policies, as well as federal and state laws and regulations, protect clients and people applying for benefits from discrimination based on one or more of the following protected classes:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National origin
  • Sex
  • Age
  • Religion
  • Disability
  • Political beliefs*
  • Sexual orientation*

*Political beliefs and sexual orientation do not apply to all programs and services. Please contact the Civil Rights Office to learn more.

  • Call: 1-888-388-6332 or 512-438-4313
  • Email: HHSCivilRightsOffice@hhsc.state.tx.us
  • Fax: 512-438-5885
  • Mail: 
    Civil Rights Office  
    Health and Human Services Commission 
    701 W. 51st St., MC W206 
    Austin, Texas 78751