Bandera County Texas Electric Bill Assistance Program: Local Aid Sources

If you are a resident of Bandera County, Texas, facing difficulty paying your electric bill, please know that help is available. Dealing with financial hardship and the stress of a potential utility disconnection is incredibly challenging. Several specific resources exist to provide a bandera county texas electric bill assistance program, ranging from direct payment arrangements with your electric provider to comprehensive government-funded programs and local community aid. Key organizations like the Bandera Electric Cooperative, the Community Council of South Central Texas, and local non-profits are in place to assist low-income individuals and families.

Your First and Most Immediate Action: Contact Bandera Electric Cooperative

Before seeking external assistance, your first and most critical step is to contact your electricity provider directly. For most residents, this is the Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC).

BEC explicitly states that they understand members may need to make a payment after the due date at certain times . They encourage you to call them immediately if you find yourself in this situation . This is not an admission of default; it is a proactive step to prevent a crisis.

• BEC Member Services Phone: (866) 226-3372

When you call, you can speak with a Member Services representative to "make arrangements and find out what your options are" . This may include a payment extension or another arrangement that can provide you with the breathing room needed to avoid a service disconnection. Applying for long-term assistance takes time, but a call to BEC can often solve the immediate crisis.

The Primary Source for Government Aid: Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT)

The main government-funded utility assistance for Bandera County residents is the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) . In Texas, LIHEAP is administered through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).

It is important to understand that the Texas state government (TDHCA) does not provide these funds directly to individuals. Instead, the state distributes the funds to local "subrecipient" organizations that manage the program for specific counties.

The official CEAP and LIHEAP administrator for Bandera County is the Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT) . CCSCT manages the CEAP, which combines financial assistance with education to help low-income households manage and reduce their utility bills . This program provides utility payment assistance for electric, natural gas, and propane bills.

• CCSCT Utility Assistance Program Page: https://www.ccsct.org/program/utility-assistance/

A Detailed Process: Applying for CEAP with CCSCT in Bandera County

The CEAP application process is detailed and requires precise documentation. Following the steps correctly is the key to a successful application.

Who is Eligible for Utility Assistance?

Eligibility is primarily based on income and household vulnerability. To qualify, your household's yearly gross income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.

CCSCT assigns priority to households with the lowest income and greatest energy costs . Priority is also given to "vulnerable" individuals, including:

• Persons 60 years and over
• Persons with disabilities
• Families with children five years of age or under

The amount of assistance is tiered based on your household's income level relative to the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

A special Crisis Assistance Component is available for households that have already lost service or are in immediate danger of losing it. To qualify for this, you must meet the income guidelines and one of the following conditions:

1. Extreme Weather Conditions (during designated summer or winter months).
2. A disaster declared by the President or Governor.
3. A documented, life-threatening crisis.

Step 1: Gather ALL Required Documents

This is the most important step. Your application will not be processed, and your appointment will be rescheduled if you are missing any of the required documents for all household members.

You must gather the following items.

Identification and Citizenship

• Social Security Cards: Social security cards or numbers for all household members.
• Proof of Citizenship: Proof of citizenship for all household members (no exceptions).
• Proof of Identity: Proof of identity for all household members (e.g., driver's license, state-issued ID, military card, or school ID for minors).

The citizenship proof is a strict requirement. You will need: 

• For household members 16 or older: Provide either one item (like a valid U.S. Passport) or two items (like a valid photo ID and a birth certificate).
• For children under 16: Provide items like a photo ID, clinic/school record, or birth certificate.

Income and Bill Documentation

• Proof of ALL Income (Past 30 Days): You must provide income proof for every household member aged 18 or older. This includes copies of employment check stubs for the last 30 days.
• Current Year's Award Letters: These are required for anyone receiving Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Veterans benefits, retirement, etc. Prior year award letters are not accepted.
• Zero Income: If any household member 18 or over has zero income, you must complete a "Declaration of Income Statement" provided by CCSCT.
• Current Utility Bill: The specific bill you need assistance with.
• 12-Month Billing History: You must provide a 12-month billing history from each of your energy providers (e.g., Bandera Electric, propane company). If you have lived at your home for less than 12 months, provide as much history as possible.
• SNAP Benefits Award Letter: If you receive SNAP, include your current award letter. 

CRITICAL WARNING: Copies of bank statements, personal checks, or food stamp (SNAP) letters will NOT be accepted as proof of income.

Step 2: Complete the Application

Once you have gathered all documents, you must complete the application form. CCSCT provides two ways to do this:

1. Electronic Application: You can apply online via the CCSCT website. You will be required to upload all the documents listed above.
2. Printable Application: You can print a paper application, fill it out completely, and sign it.

Step 3: Contact the Bandera County CCSCT Office

After your application is complete, you must contact your local CCSCT office to schedule an appointment. Submitting an application is not a guarantee of assistance, so continue to make payments if possible.

For Bandera County residents, the specific contact information is:

• Office Location: Bandera Public Library, Bandera, TX 78003
• Local Coordinator: Angelica Olivarez
• Office Phone: (830) 896-2124
• Email for Applications: aolivarez@ccsct.org

You must arrive on time for your scheduled appointment and bring all of your original documents. If you are late or missing any documentation, your appointment will be rescheduled.

Local Community and Non-Profit Assistance in Bandera County

Beyond the primary CEAP program, several local non-profits provide emergency or supplemental aid. These organizations are often the quickest source of help in a "cut-off" situation.

Bandera County Helping Hand

Bandera County Helping Hand offers a specific Utility Assistance Program designed for residents in crisis. Key details include:

• Service: This program provides utility assistance to clients who are in a "cut-off situation".
• Assistance Limit: The program can provide assistance up to $100 per year or 100 gallons of propane.
• Other Services: Helping Hand also operates a Food Pantry and a Thrift Shop (Clothes Closet) for those in need.
• Phone: (830) 796-8300
• Address: 1116 12th Street, Bandera, TX 78003
• Email: hhand@indian-creek.net
• Website: https://www.banderavillageofhope.com/

Bandera County Silver Sage (Hill Country Resource Center)

The Bandera County Silver Sage, also known as the Hill Country Resource Center, focuses heavily on services for seniors but offers resources for the wider community . Here is what to know:

• Service: While they do not explicitly list a "utility assistance" program, they offer "Benefits Assistance" and "Emergency Services".
• Action: Residents, especially seniors in Bandera County, are encouraged to call and inquire if these emergency services can be applied to an urgent utility bill.
• Phone: (830) 796-4969
• Address: 1167 FM 3240, Bandera, TX 78003

Statewide Resources, Program Updates, and Referral Services

Several statewide resources can help you find the right program, but it is crucial to know which information is current.

CRITICAL UPDATE: Texas Utility Help Website is CLOSED

Many older resource lists, and even some utility websites, mention the "Texas Utility Help" program.

According to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), the Texas Utility Help (TUH) website is CLOSED. It is no longer accepting applications for energy or water assistance . Do not attempt to apply through texasutilityhelp.com.

The Correct State Portal: TDHCA Help for Texans

The correct and current state-level portal is the TDHCA's "Help for Texans" website.

• Website: https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans

This website is not an application. It is a search tool. You can select "Utility Bill Payment Help" and enter "Bandera County" to find the contact information for the official utility assistance provider in your area, which will direct you to the Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT).

2-1-1 Texas

For information on all types of local assistance (not just utilities), 2-1-1 Texas is a free, confidential information and referral service.

• Phone: Dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905
• Website: https://www.211texas.org/

A specialist can connect you with information about services in your area that may offer utility assistance, rental help, food pantries, and more.

Other Statewide and Regional Aid

The Salvation Army in Texas offers various emergency assistance programs to help families with utility bills, rent, and other needs to prevent homelessness. You must contact the local Salvation Army corps nearest to you to find out about available funding and application processes.

Saving You Time: Clarifying Regional Resources

A search for aid in the "Hill Country" can often lead to confusion with agencies in neighboring counties. The following organizations appear in searches but have specific service areas.

• Hill Country Family Services: This agency, located in Boerne, exclusively serves Kendall County residents . They are not able to provide financial assistance to residents of Bandera County.
• Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries: While this organization serves eight counties, including Bandera , its programs are primarily focused on food, clothing, mentoring, and "Wrap Around Programs" (like school supplies and holiday baskets). Their materials do not list direct electric bill payment assistance.
• St. Vincent de Paul: The conference listed in some resources is the Notre Dame Kerrville Conference . This agency is based in Kerrville (Kerr County). Before traveling, Bandera County residents should call them at (830) 896-6898 to verify if their specific address falls within this conference's service boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions