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Facing a high utility bill or a disconnection notice can be incredibly stressful. Fortunately, Texas utility assistance programs are available to help households manage these costs. A multi-layered safety net of federal, state, and local resources exists to provide financial relief for electricity, natural gas, propane, and water bills.
Understanding these programs and how to access them is the first step toward regaining financial stability. Help is available through community action agencies, non-profit organizations, and directly from many utility providers across the state.
When facing an energy crisis, taking immediate and direct action is crucial. The system of support in Texas provides several starting points. Approaching it as a multi-layered network can help manage the process and increase the chances of finding aid. For anyone struggling to pay a bill or facing an imminent shutoff, the following three steps should be taken right away.
1. Contact Your Utility Provider Directly
The very first call should be to the electric, gas, or water company listed on the bill. Many people hesitate to do this, but utility providers often have programs and options in place specifically for customers experiencing financial hardship.
These can include:
Contacting the provider demonstrates a proactive effort to resolve the debt and opens a line of communication that can prevent a service disconnection.
2. Dial 2-1-1 Texas
The 2-1-1 Texas service, operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, is a free, confidential information and referral hotline. It is one of the most powerful tools for Texans in need. By dialing 2-1-1 or visiting 211texas.org, individuals can connect with trained specialists who can identify a wide range of local resources.
Specialists can provide direct contact information for local agencies that distribute utility assistance funds, including help for:
3. Use the TDHCA "Help for Texans" Website
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) manages federally funded assistance programs. While TDHCA does not provide funds directly to individuals, it operates an essential online tool called "Help for Texans".
This search portal is the official state directory for finding local organizations that distribute utility assistance. To use the tool, visit https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans, select “Utility Bill Payment Help,” and enter your city or county to find a list of designated service providers for your area.
The cornerstone of utility assistance in Texas is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). It is the primary government program designed to help low-income households meet their immediate energy needs and reduce their energy costs over the long term.
The LIHEAP Connection
CEAP is the state's method for distributing federal funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides funding to all states.
In Texas, the TDHCA receives these LIHEAP funds and administers them through the CEAP framework. The agency contracts with a network of local non-profits and community action agencies to deliver the assistance in all 254 counties.
Types of Assistance Offered Through CEAP
CEAP is a comprehensive tool for energy crisis intervention, offering several types of support tailored to a household's specific situation.
Eligibility for CEAP and other federally funded programs is based on a specific set of criteria established by the federal government and administered by the state.
Primary Rule: Household Income
The main factor determining eligibility is the total gross income of every person living in the household. To qualify for CEAP, a household's total annual income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
| Persons in Family/Household | Maximum Gross Annual Household Income (150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $23,475 |
| 2 | $31,725 |
| 3 | $39,975 |
| 4 | $48,225 |
| 5 | $56,475 |
| 6 | $64,725 |
| 7 | $72,975 |
| 8 | $81,225 |
| For families with more than 8 persons, add $8,250 for each additional person. |
Note: These figures are based on federal guidelines and are subject to change annually. Always verify the current limits with the local service provider. Data sourced from.
Citizenship and Residency Requirements
Because CEAP is federally funded, every member of the household must be either a U.S. citizen, a U.S. non-citizen national, or a qualified non-citizen (legal resident). Applicants must provide documentation to prove the status of every person in the home.
Priority Households
While all eligible households can receive assistance, funding is limited. Therefore, CEAP prioritizes households that are most vulnerable to health and safety risks.
These households are often moved to the front of the line for application processing, particularly during crisis situations.
The application process for utility assistance in Texas is managed by a network of local agencies across the state. Following a clear, step-by-step process can make the application much smoother.
Crucial Update: The texasutilityhelp.com Portal is CLOSED
It is essential to know that the centralized state application website, texasutilityhelp.com, is no longer accepting new applications for energy or water assistance. This portal has closed because requests for assistance exceeded the available funds. Currently, utility assistance is available only by applying directly through designated local service providers.
Step 1: Gather Your Required Documents
An incomplete application cannot be processed and will cause significant delays. The following documents are typically required for every person living in the household.
| Document Category | Who Needs It? | Acceptable Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | All household members 18 years and older. Children may also need to provide proof. | Valid Texas Driver's License, Texas State ID, U.S. Passport, Military ID, Matrícula Consular. For minors: School ID, immunization records. |
| Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency | All household members, regardless of age. | U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card"). |
| Social Security Cards | All household members who have been issued one. | A copy of the Social Security card for each person in the home. |
| Proof of Household Income | All household members 18 years and older for the past 30 days. | Pay stubs, current year's award letters for Social Security (SS), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or VA benefits; unemployment benefits statement; proof of child support. Bank statements are generally |
| Current Utility Bills | The applicant. | A complete copy (front and back) of the most recent electric and/or gas bills. If a disconnection notice has been received, provide that as well. |
Step 2: Find Your Local Service Provider
Since there is no central state application office, the next step is to identify the correct local agency for your county or city.
https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans, select "Utility Bill Payment Help," and enter your county or city.Step 3: Complete and Submit Your Application
Once the local agency is identified, the final step is to complete their application process. Each agency may have slightly different procedures.
After submission, be patient. Due to high demand, processing an application can take several weeks.
Assistance for water and wastewater bills is also available in Texas, but the funding and availability can be less consistent than for energy bills.
LIHWAP Status
The primary source of funding for water bill assistance is the federal Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). However, LIHWAP was a temporary, emergency program, and its funding is limited.
The centralized texasutilityhelp.com portal that managed these funds has closed because requests for assistance surpassed the available funding. While the program exists, funds may be exhausted or unavailable at any given time.
How to Seek Help
The best course of action is to inquire about water assistance through the same channels used for energy assistance:
Utility-Specific Programs
Some municipal and private water utilities offer their own customer assistance programs. For example, Texas Water Utilities has a program called "Water Assist" that provides a monthly credit to eligible customers. The City of Fort Worth Water Utility offers payment plans and refers customers to community organizations. Always contact your water provider directly to ask about available options.
While CEAP provides immediate financial relief, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers a proactive, long-term solution to high energy bills. WAP is a free program designed to help low-income households improve the energy efficiency of their homes, which permanently lowers their utility costs.
Services Provided
WAP is operated with funds from the U.S. Department of Energy and LIHEAP. A professional energy auditor assesses the home and, based on the audit, the program may provide and install free energy-saving measures, including:
Eligibility and How to Apply
Eligibility for WAP is closely tied to CEAP. Households with an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify, with priority given to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and families with young children.
The application process for WAP is handled through the same network of local community action agencies that administer CEAP. When applying for CEAP, individuals should also specifically ask to apply for the Weatherization Assistance Program.
If a household does not qualify for CEAP, or if the assistance provided is not enough, several other avenues of support are available.
Direct Assistance from Utility Companies
Many major energy providers in Texas have established charitable funds or special discount programs to help their most vulnerable customers.
Community and Charitable Aid
Non-profit and faith-based organizations are a critical part of the social safety net, often providing emergency funds with more flexible eligibility criteria.
Other State and Federal Programs
Several other programs can help reduce a household's overall financial burden, freeing up resources for utility bills.
By exploring this full spectrum of resources, Texans facing financial hardship can build a comprehensive strategy to maintain essential services and work toward lasting stability.
For immediate help, especially with a disconnection notice, call 2-1-1 Texas to connect with local crisis intervention programs. Many local community action agencies and charities, such as The Salvation Army, offer emergency Texas utility assistance and may be able to provide faster, one-time aid for imminent shutoffs.
Yes, both renters and homeowners can qualify for Texas utility assistance programs like CEAP. As a renter, you must have a utility account in your name or be responsible for paying the utility bills directly. Your landlord may need to provide consent for any weatherization-related services.
While not always automatic, households receiving benefits like SNAP, TANF, SSI, or certain needs-tested veterans benefits may be considered "categorically eligible" for programs like CEAP. This can simplify the income verification process, but you still need to complete a full application through your local agency.
Typically, households can receive assistance from CEAP once per program year. The program year usually begins in the fall. If you face a new crisis, such as a sudden job loss or medical emergency after receiving aid, you should contact your local agency to inquire about additional crisis assistance.
Yes. Households with elderly members (age 60+), persons with disabilities, or young children (age 5 and under) are given priority for Texas utility assistance through CEAP. Many utility companies also have special programs or protections for these vulnerable customers, so it's important to inform them of your status.
After submission, your local agency will review your documents for eligibility. This process can take several weeks due to high demand. The agency will contact you if more information is needed or to inform you of their decision. If approved, they will process a payment directly to your utility provider.
Some local agencies administering Texas utility assistance may offer help with deposits to establish or reconnect service. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) also allows low-income individuals to pay deposits in two installments and provides options for deposit waivers for victims of family violence or customers aged 65+.
For nearly all state and federal programs, including CEAP, financial assistance is paid directly to your energy provider. The payment is credited to your account to reduce your balance or prevent disconnection. You will not receive a check or cash for the assistance amount.
Yes, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides free home energy upgrades to low-income households to lower their utility bills long-term. Services can include adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and tuning up heating and cooling systems. You can often apply for WAP through the same agency that handles CEAP.
If your application is denied, the agency must provide a reason in writing. You have the right to appeal the decision within a specified timeframe. Review the denial reason, gather any additional documents that may support your case, and follow the appeal instructions provided by the agency.
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