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Residents of Bosque County, Texas, facing financial hardship and struggling with high electric bills have access to several local and state-level assistance programs. Help is available, but the application process can be confusing. The primary organization for managing the main federal and state utility assistance, known as the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), for Bosque County residents is the Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC). Additional resources are also offered through local charities like Caritas of Waco , the Salvation Army , and even provider-specific funds from electric companies like United Cooperative Services. These programs are designed to provide direct financial relief and prevent disconnection.
The most important, and often most confusing, part of seeking utility assistance is identifying the correct local administrator. State-level programs like the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are managed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
However, the TDHCA does not accept applications directly from individuals. Instead, it distributes funds to local "subrecipients" or community action agencies that manage the programs for specific counties.
For all residents of Bosque County, the official, state-designated subrecipient is the Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC), based in Waco. This organization is the main entry point for applying for CEAP and LIHEAP.
EOAC provides short-term help with electricity and natural gas bills for eligible low-income households. The goal of the program is not only to provide immediate financial assistance to meet energy needs but also to promote long-term stability. This is often achieved through energy education to help consumers control and reduce future utility costs. In some cases, related programs like weatherization may be available to make homes more energy-efficient.
How to Contact EOAC and Apply
All applications and inquiries for Bosque County residents are handled through the main EOAC office in Waco. The application process is managed by their Community Services Department.
https://eoacwaco.org/It is essential to call first, as assistance is often provided by appointment only. The Community Services Department has specific operational hours that applicants must be aware of:
What You Need to Apply: Required Documents for CEAP
To ensure a smooth application process, you must gather all required documentation ahead of time. Applications will be delayed or denied if they are incomplete. While specific requirements can change, the following checklist includes the documents typically required for federal and state assistance programs.
Income Limits for CEAP Utility Assistance
Eligibility for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is based on your household's total gross income. The income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
Based on the most recently published federal guidelines, the (annual) income limits are as follows:
If you do not qualify for CEAP through EOAC, or if you face an immediate crisis and cannot wait for an appointment, local charities may offer help. These organizations are often funded by community donations and may have different eligibility rules.
Caritas of Waco: Serving Bosque County
Caritas of Waco is a non-profit organization that explicitly includes Bosque County in its service area. The organization provides financial assistance for utility bills, when funds are available, as part of its Community Support and Financial Stability programs.
https://www.caritas-waco.org/Specialized Help for Veterans in Bosque County
Caritas of Waco operates a separate program specifically for veterans and their surviving spouses. This program is funded by a dedicated grant from the Texas Veterans Commission and provides more comprehensive "wrap-around" services.
The Caritas Veterans' Case Management Program assists low-income veterans and their surviving spouses living in Bosque, Hill, McLennan, Falls, Limestone, and Freestone counties. Services include direct utility bill assistance, rent/mortgage help, prescription assistance, transportation, and childcare assistance.
This program offers a dedicated, local access point for Bosque County residents, making it highly accessible.
The Salvation Army: Emergency Assistance
The Salvation Army offers emergency financial assistance for households in crisis, particularly seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families facing a disconnection notice.
https://sahelp.org/ and enter your zip code. This will start a confidential online application. If your request for utility assistance is approved, a notification will be sent directly to your utility provider to secure the account against disconnection.Clifton Ministerial Alliance (Clifton Residents)
For residents in or near the 76634 zip code, the Clifton Ministerial Alliance provides hyper-local assistance. This is a coalition of local churches that work together to provide financial assistance for those experiencing economic hardship.
pastor@fumcclifton.org.The assistance you can receive also depends on who provides your electricity. Residents in deregulated areas (like Clifton) have different options than residents served by an electric cooperative (like Meridian).
For United Cooperative Services (UCS) Members (Meridian Area)
United Cooperative Services (UCS), which has a local office in Meridian at 10208 State Highway 6 , offers two separate assistance programs exclusively for its members. UCS members should pursue these programs in addition to applying for CEAP through EOAC.
https://ucs.net/.For Heart of Texas Electric Cooperative (HOTEC) Members
Heart of Texas Electric Cooperative (HOTEC) serves rural parts of Bosque County. HOTEC does not manage its own assistance fund. Instead, the cooperative's official payment assistance page directs members in need to the state-designated local agencies.
HOTEC's two primary referrals for Bosque County residents are:
HOTEC members should begin by calling EOAC, as it is the primary CEAP administrator for the county.
For Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP) Customers (Clifton Area)
Residents in Clifton are in a deregulated electricity market. This means that while Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP) is the utility that owns the power lines , your bill comes from a Retail Electric Provider (REP) you choose (e.g., Gexa, Reliant, Just Energy, etc.).
If you are unsure where to start or which agency serves your specific address, these statewide resources can provide a direct referral.
211texas.org.texasutilityhelp.com). This was a temporary statewide program funded by federal relief money. As of September 2023, this program is closed and no longer accepting new applications.https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans.The primary program is the Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This is a federally funded program, also known as LIHEAP, designed to help low-income households in Bosque County manage their energy costs and avoid utility disconnection.
The Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC) is the local subrecipient that manages and administers the CEAP/LIHEAP program for Bosque County residents. Applications and inquiries should be directed to their office for processing.
Eligibility for the Bosque County Texas electric bill assistance program (CEAP) is typically based on household income. Families must have an income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines to qualify for assistance through the EOAC.
To apply for energy assistance, Bosque County residents must contact the Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC) directly. They will provide the official application and guide you through the necessary steps, required documents, and submission process.
You will generally need proof of income for the last 30 days for all adults, Social Security cards for all household members, and current government-issued photo ID. You must also provide a copy of your current electric bill and any disconnection notice.
Yes. Besides the county program, residents can explore Texas Utility Help, a statewide program offering financial assistance for utility bills. Local churches and non-profits like the Salvation Army may also offer emergency one-time utility aid.
The CEAP program prioritizes households that are most vulnerable. This includes households with elderly individuals (age 60 or older), persons with disabilities, and families with young children (age five and under) to ensure they receive help first.
Yes. If you have received a disconnection notice, you should contact the EOAC immediately. The Bosque County Texas electric bill assistance program is designed to help in crisis situations and may be able to expedite assistance to prevent service interruption.
The Salvation Army often provides emergency financial assistance, including help with utility bills, through its Service Extension program in rural counties. Residents can contact the nearest Salvation Army office to inquire about available funds and eligibility requirements.
Catholic Charities of Central Texas also offers financial assistance for basic needs, including utility bills, to residents in their service area. Bosque County residents can contact their office or check their website for an online assistance request form.
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