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The Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is a federally funded program that gives some Texas households an annual cash grant to help pay for home heating and cooling costs. It was created for people with low income who are having trouble paying their home energy bills. CEAP grants can also be used to pay for repairs to home heating and cooling units.
How does the Texas CEAP program work?
CEAP helps people with low income stay safe and comfortable year-round. If you qualify, the program offers financial assistance for:
- Electric, butane, propane, and natural gas bills
- Repairs to home heating and cooling units
Energy education, needs assessment, budget counseling, and emergency purchase of portable heating and cooling units may also be available to some households.
Who can get help from Texas CEAP?
To get help from this program, you must be a Texas resident and own or rent the home where you live. The program looks at your household income and your energy costs to decide if you can participate. Texas residents with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level are eligible for CEAP.
Qualifying for CEAP does not mean you will get money. Each year, there is only so much CEAP money to go around. That means only some of the people who qualify will get help—about 1 in every 5 households. Households with older adults, people with disabilities, young children, or high energy bills are given priority.
That’s why it is important to apply as soon as you can, before the application deadline. The sooner you apply, the better your chance of getting help.
What decides my CEAP benefit amount?
The CEAP benefit does not pay your whole energy bill—just some of it. This help is only for the current heating season or program year.
In Texas, the amount of help your household gets from CEAP depends on a few things:
- How many people live in your home
- Your total household income
- How much you pay for energy
- If anyone in your home is older, has a disability, or is under age 5
How do I apply for Texas CEAP?
To apply for CEAP assistance, you must contact a participating community action agency. Texas has multiple agencies across the state that qualify residents and distribute funds. To find the agency that serves your area:
- Call 1-877-399-8939 or dial 211.
- Visit this website and follow the instructions.
What happens after I apply for Texas CEAP?
After you apply for CEAP, your local agency will look at your income, household size, and energy use to see if you qualify. You may need to turn in more papers like your utility bill or proof of income.
You will get a letter or phone call to tell you if you’re approved for CEAP and how much help you will get. If you are approved, the agency will work with your utility company to help pay your energy bill.
Processing your application may take a few weeks, so keep checking with the agency if you don’t hear back.
How can I get help with my application?
There are several ways to get help applying for CEAP. You can:
- Ask the staff at your local community action agency (visit this website to find yours).
- Ask a trusted family member or friend.
- Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area.
- NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559
What if I cannot get help from CEAP?
If CEAP cannot help you, there are other things you can try:
1. Talk to your utility company
Call and tell them you are having trouble paying your energy bills. They may have a program to help people with low income. Some offer lower rates or payment plans.
2. Look for other assistance programs in Texas
Texas may have other programs that help people pay their energy bills. Your local community action agency can point you in the right direction.
3. Call a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)
These local centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs to help them afford food, health care, and energy bills. Click here to see if there is a BEC in your area.
