Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
Check eligibility with the program. Rules, income limits, dates and funding change and differ by area. This site is a directory of official and major nonprofit help. It is not legal or financial advice, and we are not connected to any program. Official programs don’t charge a fee to apply.
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
CEAP is Texas’s LIHEAP program. It helps eligible low-income households pay electric and gas bills through local agencies. Use Help for Texans to find the local agency that takes applications in your area.
Other help in Texas
211
United Way 211 (nonprofit)
A free, confidential helpline that connects you with local help for rent, utilities, food and more. Call or text 211, or search online.
How to get it: Call 211 or visit 211.org and enter your ZIP code.
Your utility company’s hardship program
Your electric, gas or water company
Many utilities offer payment plans, budget billing, discounts or hardship funds. Call before you fall too far behind, and ask what help they have.
How to get it: Call the customer service number on your bill and ask about payment arrangements and assistance programs.
Lifeline
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
A discount of up to $9.25 a month on phone or internet service (up to $34.25 on Tribal lands). You may qualify with income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or the Veterans Pension. One benefit per household.
How to get it: Check eligibility and apply through the National Verifier.
HUD rental assistance (public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Long-term help with rent for low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities. Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) can pay all or part of the rent for a privately owned home. Waiting lists are common.
How to get it: Contact your local public housing agency (PHA).
HUD-approved housing counselors
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Free or low-cost advice from approved agencies on renting, avoiding eviction, and budgeting.
How to get it: Call 800-569-4287 or search online. Check that “rental” is on the agency’s list of services.
Get ready to apply
Programs usually ask you to prove who you are, where you live and what your household earns. Before you call, it helps to have:
- ID for the person applying
- Recent proof of income for everyone in the home (pay stubs, benefit letters)
- Your latest bill, and any past-due or shut-off notice
- Your lease or rental agreement (for rent help)
- Your account numbers
Call your utility or landlord early. Many will agree a payment plan if you ask before you fall far behind.
Watch out for scams
Real programs don’t charge you to apply. A utility company won’t demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or payment app to stop a same-day shut-off. If someone does, hang up and call the number on your bill. FTC: scammers pretend to be your utility company.
Make a plan for next month
Once the urgent bill is covered, a simple budget can help stop it happening again. Our free Budget Planner helps you plan your money each month, the debt payoff calculator shows how to clear what you owe, and the rent affordability calculator checks what rent fits your income.
Find help that fits you
Pick your country and what you need help with to see official programs.
Open the bill help finderFrequently asked questions
How do I apply for energy help in Texas?
Use the official Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) page above. It explains who can apply, the income limits and where to apply.
What if I need help today?
Call your utility to ask about a payment plan, and call or text 211 for local emergency help.
Is this an official site?
No. We’re an independent directory that links to official program pages. Always check eligibility with the program.
Last reviewed: October 2026. General information only — check providers' official sites for current features and pricing.