Cass County Texas Electric Bill Assistance Program Solutions

Finding a Cass County Texas electric bill assistance program can be overwhelming, especially when facing financial stress. Help is available in Northeast Texas for low-income households, seniors, and families struggling to pay utility bills. The following information details the primary local agencies, state-funded programs like CEAP, and provider-specific options that can provide immediate financial relief and long-term energy solutions.

Community Services of Northeast Texas (CSNT): The Local Contact for Aid

The primary organization for residents seeking utility help in Cass County is Community Services of Northeast Texas, Inc. (CSNT). This agency is the state-designated local provider, often called a "subrecipient," tasked with distributing federal and state assistance funds to eligible individuals and families in the area.

Contacting CSNT is the most critical first step for accessing most available aid. The agency serves as a central hub, managing several key programs simultaneously. This means a single application can often be screened for multiple types of assistance. The specific CSNT outreach office for Cass County residents is the most direct point of contact:

• Agency: Community Services of Northeast Texas – Cass County
• Coordinator: Olga Love
• Phone: 903-756-5596
• Fax: 903-756-7294
• Mailing Address for Applications: All completed applications for assistance should be mailed to the central processing address: P.O. Box 427, Linden, TX 75563.

CSNT administers the main government-funded energy program, the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).

Furthermore, CSNT also manages local Salvation Army funds for Cass County, which can be used to assist clients with utilities, lodging, and prescriptions. By contacting this single agency, residents are effectively positioned to access the two largest sources of grant-based utility aid in the county.

Applying for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

The most significant source of financial help is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is available through Community Services of Northeast Texas.

What is CEAP?

CEAP is the State of Texas's method for distributing federal funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) oversees the program, which provides funds to local subrecipients like CSNT to assist low-income households with their energy costs.

This assistance is provided as a grant, not a loan. It is typically paid directly to the household's electric provider to reduce or cover the cost of a bill.

The program is designed to help households meet their immediate energy needs. In some cases, it can also provide prospective payments to help with future bills.

Who Qualifies for CEAP in Cass County?

Eligibility for CEAP is primarily based on a household's income. To qualify for assistance, a household's total gross yearly income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.

The program counts gross income for the last 30 days from all sources, including Social Security (SS), SSDI, unemployment benefits, and TANF.

It is important to note that funding is limited. Therefore, priority is given to low-income households with the highest home energy needs. This priority is specifically designated for households containing:

• Elderly individuals (age 65 or older)
• Disabled individuals
• Families with children under the age of six

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Process

Residents must apply through Community Services of Northeast Texas. The process is as follows:

1. Obtain the Application: All persons must first complete the "Application for Assistance". This form is available on the CSNT website or by calling the Cass County office.
2. Submit the Application: All completed applications must be returned by mail. They should be sent to the central mailing address: Community Services of Northeast Texas, Inc., P.O. Box 427, Linden, TX 75563.

Required Documents Checklist (Actionable Information)

An incomplete application can delay or disqualify a household from receiving assistance. Gathering all necessary paperwork before applying is essential.

The application packet requires specific documentation for all household members:

• Completed Application: A fully completed and signed Application for Assistance.
• Photo ID: A copy of a current Texas photo ID for every household member age 18 and over.
• Social Security Cards: A copy of the Social Security card (or a government document showing the number) for every member living in the home, including all children.
• Proof of Income: Proof of all gross income for all household members for the most recent 30-day period. Examples include paycheck stubs, a current Social Security or SSDI benefit letter, a TANF statement, or an unemployment benefits payment listing.
• Declaration of Income: A completed "Declaration of Income Statement" (DIS Form) is required for any household member 18 or older who has no documented income for the 30-day period.
• Utility Bills: A copy of the most recent utility bills for both heating and cooling the home (e.g., electric, natural gas, or propane).
• Billing History: A 12-month billing history from each energy provider. Utility companies may be able to fax this directly to CSNT at 903-665-8745 or email it to history@csnthelp.org.
• Food Stamps Statement: A copy of the household's current Food Stamps Benefit Statement, if applicable.
• Citizenship Documentation: Proof that at least one household member is a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.

Assistance from Local Utility Providers

Beyond state and federal programs, electric providers in Cass County offer their own assistance options. The correct path depends on which company provides the electricity.

SWEPCO Customers: The Neighbor to Neighbor Program

Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), which serves much of East Texas , offers the Neighbor to Neighbor Program.

This program is a partnership between SWEPCO and Dollar Energy Fund, a hardship program administrator.

It provides eligible customers who are experiencing financial hardships with a utility assistance grant applied directly to their electric bill. These grants can prevent a service disconnection or restore service that has been shut off.

To apply for the Neighbor to Neighbor program, customers must contact a local community action agency. The application does not go directly to SWEPCO. Dollar Energy Fund partners with a network of organizations to handle application intake.

Community Services of Northeast Texas, Inc. (CSNT) is listed as a partner organization in Texas.

Therefore, the most effective action for a SWEPCO customer in Cass County is to contact the CSNT office. When applying for CEAP, they should also inquire about applying for the SWEPCO Neighbor to Neighbor Program, as the agency can likely process applications for both.

Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative (BCEC) Member Options

For members of the Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative (BCEC), assistance is handled differently.

As a member-owned cooperative , BCEC provides internal payment flexibility options rather than a separate grant program.

Members who cannot pay their bill by the due date have two primary options, both of which are contingent on the member's payment history and length of service:

1. Extensions: Short-term extensions are available. These are offered monthly as long as the member adheres exactly to the agreed-upon arrangement.
2. Deferred Payment Plans: For larger balances, a deferred payment plan may be available, allowing the member to pay the balance over time.

To access either of these options, the BCEC member must contact a Member Services Representative by phone. These arrangements are not automatic and require direct communication with the cooperative.

• BCEC Main Phone: (903) 846-2311
• BCEC Toll-Free: (800) 794-2919

Other Sources of Help for Utility Bills

In addition to CSNT and direct utility provider options, other programs and services are available to Cass County residents.

The Salvation Army Assistance

The Salvation Army provides a range of services, including utility assistance. A specific "Cass County TX (Linden) Service Unit" provides community-based assistance to residents in need.

As mentioned, Community Services of Northeast Texas (CSNT) administers Salvation Army funds for Cass County, bundling this aid with its other services.

However, residents can also apply to The Salvation Army directly through its dedicated online portal, SAHelp.org. This confidential online system allows individuals to apply for assistance by entering their home zip code.

The system matches the applicant to the appropriate Salvation Army location. A case manager may follow up for additional information. If assistance for utilities is approved, a notification is sent to the applicant and also directly to the utility company to secure the account while payment is processed.

2-1-1 Texas: Information and Referral Service

2-1-1 Texas is a free, confidential information and referral service operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

It is a critical resource for finding help of all kinds, including food, housing, and utility payment assistance.

Residents can contact 2-1-1 if they are unsure where to start, if CSNT funds are temporarily depleted, or if they need help with other issues beyond their electric bill. The service can provide a list of smaller, local organizations or faith-based groups that may have available funds.

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

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)

Residents searching for help may find the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) website.

It is important to understand TDHCA's role. TDHCA administers and funds programs like CEAP (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program, but it does not accept applications or provide assistance directly to individuals.

The TDHCA website features a "Help for Texans" search tool. A resident can use this tool by selecting "Utility Bill Payment Help" and entering "Cass County".

This tool will provide the contact information for the official local provider, which in Cass County is Community Services of Northeast Texas (CSNT). This search tool ultimately confirms that CSNT is the correct starting point for state-funded assistance.

Long-Term Solutions for Lowering Energy Costs

While the programs above address the immediate crisis of a high bill, other programs are designed to solve the underlying problem by making a home more energy efficient.

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federal program administered by TDHCA and implemented by local agencies to help low-income households lower their long-term energy costs.

This program is provided at no cost to eligible homeowners and renters.

Trained professionals use diagnostic testing to determine which improvements will be most effective. Work may include:

• Installing attic, wall, and floor insulation
• Sealing air leaks
• Furnace improvements
• Adding ventilation, smoke, and CO alarms

The provider for the Weatherization Assistance Program in Cass County is Community Services of Northeast Texas (CSNT).

The application form used for CEAP bill payment assistance also includes a section for the Weatherization Program. When residents apply to CSNT for utility bill assistance, they should also inquire about their eligibility for WAP to secure a long-term reduction in their energy bills.

A Cass County Electric Bill Assistance Plan

This information provides a clear path for Cass County residents seeking help. The following steps summarize the most effective course of action.

1. Identify the Utility Provider: The first step depends on the name on the electric bill.

• Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative (BCEC): Call (903) 846-2311 immediately. Speak directly to a Member Services Representative to request an extension or a deferred payment plan.   
• Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO): Proceed to the next step.

2. Gather Required Documents: Before contacting any agency, collect all necessary paperwork.

• Use the detailed checklist in the "Required Documents Checklist (Actionable Information)" section.   
• Failure to provide even one item can stop the application process. 

3. Contact Community Services of Northeast Texas (CSNT): This is the primary action.

• Call the Cass County Office: 903-756-5596 (Olga Love) to ask questions and request an application.   
• Submit the Application: Mail the completed application and all required documents to: P.O. Box 427, Linden, TX 75563.   
• Ask About All Programs: When applying, residents should ask to be screened for CEAP, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Salvation Army funds, and (if a SWEPCO customer) the Neighbor to Neighbor Program.

4. Use Secondary Resources: If more help is needed or CSNT is out of funds:

• Dial 2-1-1: Call 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 to find other local resources.
• Apply Online: Visit SAHelp.org to submit a separate application directly to The Salvation Army.

Frequently Asked Questions