10 Places to Get Help Paying Your Electric Bill in Texas
If you’re in Texas and need help paying your electric bill, there are several resources available, particularly in major cities like Dallas and Houston. We put together a guide to some of the key assistance programs and agencies you can reach out to.
These organizations not only help with electric bills, but also provide a variety of other support services. They may be able to assist with natural gas bills, rent, water and groceries. For more information, visit the websites of these organizations or contact them directly.
Where to Get Help Paying Your Electric Bill in Texas
Dallas
If you need financial assistance in Dallas, a number of organizations offer resources to help you pay your electric bill.
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): Offered by the Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS), CEAP helps residents pay their electric, gas and water bills. It prioritizes households with elderly and/or disabled residents and those with children aged 5 and under.
Catholic Charities of Dallas: This organization provides a range of services, including emergency financial assistance for bills, food pantries and job search resources. They have several offices across the region.
- Central Service Center
1421 W Mockingbird Ln.
Dallas, TX 75247
866.223.7500 - Brady Social Service Center
4009 Elm St.
Dallas, TX 75226
214.826.8330 - Marillac Social Center
2843 Lapsley St.
Dallas, Texas 75212
214.826.8335
Jewish Family Services of Greater Dallas: This organization offers job assistance, emergency financial assistance for bills, a Family Service Food Pantry, and support for the disabled and elderly.
Austin
If you live in Austin, there are special assistance programs available to you.
Customer Assistance Program (CAP) by City of Austin Utilities: This program offers help to residential customers who face temporary or long-term financial difficulties, as well as those with serious medical problems. It includes utility bill discounts for residents on low or fixed incomes participating in certain state, federal or local assistance programs. There’s also the Plus 1 fund, which provides emergency financial aid for utility bills, and services for medically vulnerable customers.
Travis County Utility Assistance: Travis County provides utility assistance services for those who meet certain requirements. Various community organizations and churches in Travis County offer assistance with utilities. These include emergency financial aid for utilities like electric, gas and water, as well as additional support such as food vouchers, rent assistance and emergency medical aid.
Catholic Charities of Central Texas: They offer utility assistance in Austin, Killeen, Waco and Brazos Valley.
Houston and Other Areas
Residents of Houston and other parts of Texas may find electric bill assistance from the following resources.
BakerRipley (Houston, TX): BakerRipley is an organization focused on bringing resources, education and connection to Houston neighborhoods. Residents can apply for assistance with utility bills online, by mail or by phone.
Community Council of South-Central Texas (Seguin, TX): While their administrative office is in Seguin, they have offices in 28 of the 31 counties they service.
Helping Hands Ministry of Belton (Belton, TX): This organization provides services in Bell County. They partner with energy companies Reliant Energy, TXU Energy, Ambit Energy and TriEagle Energy for bill assistance.
Hill Country Community Action Association (San Saba, TX): They cover multiple counties, including San Saba, Mills, Llano and Mason.
The Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (Waco, TX): Serving several counties, including McLennan, Bosque and Limestone.
Help with Natural Gas Bills
Texas residents have several options for assistance with natural gas bills.
Texas Gas Service Assistance Programs: Texas Gas Service offers several assistance programs for those facing financial difficulties. These include:
- 2-1-1 Texas: Get help with food, rent and utilities by calling 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905.
- Share The Warmth: This program helps families in immediate financial emergencies to pay their natural gas bills.
- LIHEAP: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program offers financial aid to households for home energy costs.
Texas Utility Help Program: Managed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, this program helps eligible low-income renters and homeowners with utility bills, including natural gas. It covers past-due bills and provides a substantial amount for future payments. The eligibility criteria are based on household income, and the program is subject to available funding.
Help with Water Bills
If you need to cover your water bill, there are state-wide programs that may be able to help.
Texas Utility Help Program: In addition to energy bills, this program also covers water and wastewater bills. Priority is given to those who have been disconnected or are at risk of disconnection. The household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines to qualify.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Programs (LIHWAP): This program provides aid to individuals in need of assistance with water bills.
Operation WaterShare: Initiated by Dallas Water Utilities, this program aids individuals facing short-term financial hardship, prioritizing families with children, seniors, disabled individuals and those with unexpected emergencies. Financial assistance and payment plans for water bills can be requested through this program.
Minor Plumbing Repair Program (MPR): This initiative by Dallas Water Utilities aims to reduce water waste and high water bills by offering free assistance with minor plumbing repairs and fixture replacement to low-income customers.
Help with Rent
Texas residents who need help paying rent can apply for these programs.
Dallas County Emergency Housing Assistance Programs (EHAP): This program offers short-term assistance to help with rent or mortgage arrears for those facing eviction or who have mortgage arrears.
Housing Crisis Center Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance: This program provides emergency financial assistance to households facing evictions or utility shut-offs, aiming to prevent homelessness.
Texas Housing Assistance: This portal provides resources for various housing needs, including Section 8 housing vouchers for low-income residents, rural rental help and disaster relief.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: HUD supports low-income tenants by subsidizing rents and guiding them on how to apply for public housing or Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) through local Public Housing Agencies. It also offers resources for housing advice, lists of affordable apartments and assistance with utility bills and tenant rights.
Help with Groceries
There are both national and state-wide programs to help those with food insecurity.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a government program that helps individuals and families purchase food. Benefits are provided on a Lone Star Card, which can be used like a credit card at stores accepting SNAP. You can apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, by visiting a local Texas Health and Human Services office, or by calling 2-1-1.
Feeding America Network: Feeding America offers assistance through food banks, pantries and meal programs across local communities. They provide free food and can help with SNAP applications. They also have specific programs for seniors and people who have experienced disasters.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): TEFAP food is available on a first-come, first-served basis through local food banks and food pantries. This program ensures recipients’ rights to receive food and meals at no cost and without discrimination.
Local Food Pantries: Texas has numerous food pantries and banks that provide free food and groceries. These include the Houston Food Bank, North Texas Food Bank, San Antonio Food Bank and many others across different regions. These food banks often work with local charities, churches and pantries.
Texas Health and Human Services: They offer various food assistance programs, including the Summer Lunch Program for kids, and provide classes to help you live healthy and save money when buying groceries. They also partner with the Texas Department of Agriculture in the Summer Meal Programs to provide meals at no cost to children and teens.
Every Texan: The Afterschool Meals Program provides food to children who may not have access to food at home.
Home-Delivered Meals: HDM provides food to adults 18 years and older by delivering meals to their home.
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