Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Texas

Where to start in Texas

Start with the most urgent bill. A disconnect notice, an empty propane tank, or a medical need should come before a bill that is only a few days late.

For other Texas benefits, keep the ASMOM Texas help page open while you work through the bill.

Quick reference table

CEAP energy assistance in Texas

The Texas CEAP page describes CEAP as utility assistance for households with low incomes. It is designed to address immediate home-energy needs and help families control future energy costs through education.

TDHCA funds local subrecipients that cover every Texas county. The local agency takes the application, checks eligibility, decides what documents are needed, and sends approved payments to the utility or fuel company. Help is not paid as unrestricted cash.

2026 income guide

The current TDHCA income page sets CEAP eligibility at 150% of the federal poverty income guidelines. These annual limits took effect January 26, 2026.

The income table is a first screen, not a promise of help. The local provider must review household members, income, account responsibility, utility information, household status, program priorities, and available funds.

How to apply

1. Open Help for Texans and choose utility bill payment help.
2. Enter your city or county.
3. Call or visit the listed local provider.
4. Ask whether applications are open and whether it uses online, phone, mail, or appointment intake.
5. Submit all requested pages and keep proof of delivery.

TDHCA warns that listed providers may be at capacity and may not be able to assist everyone who calls. Apply early and keep asking the utility about a payment plan while the case is pending.

Food, cash, and health benefits may free money for utilities. Check the ASMOM Texas SNAP guide, Texas TANF guide, and Texas health guide.

Electric shutoff rules and payment options

Texas electric rules depend on where you live. Many people in competitive areas choose a retail electric provider. Other households receive power from a city-owned utility or electric cooperative. PUCT rules do not apply to every provider in the same way.

The PUCT electric bill page tells customers to contact the provider, ask about payment assistance, and request a deferred payment plan when available. The provider’s phone number appears on the bill.

For many customers in competitive areas, a retail electric provider must send a disconnection notice at least 10 days before a nonpayment shutoff. The disconnection guide also explains protections for extreme weather, agency pledges, and other situations.

Agency pledges

If an energy-assistance agency tells the provider by the final due date that it will send enough money, and you pay or arrange to pay any balance not covered, special protection may apply. Ask both the agency and the provider what proof must be sent and whether the hold is active.

Extreme weather

Retail electric providers in the competitive market cannot disconnect for nonpayment during an official extreme weather emergency. A customer may request a deferred payment plan for bills due during that emergency. This does not cancel the amount owed.

Medical conditions

The medical condition page explains chronic-condition and critical-care status for customers in competitive electric areas. A physician must complete the approved form. City utilities and cooperatives may have their own process.

Medical designation gives added notice and protections, but it does not remove the duty to pay and does not guarantee uninterrupted electricity during an outage. Keep a medical backup plan and do not rely on the designation as emergency power.

Water and sewer bill help

The temporary federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program ended after its funds expired. Texas’ old statewide water application is also closed. Water help now usually comes from a city, utility, county, or local charity.

The PUCT utility assistance page says many regulated water and wastewater providers offer deferred payment plans or payment help. Start with the provider on your bill.

Ask about:

• A payment plan or due-date extension
• A leak adjustment or meter review
• A hardship or donation fund
• A lower deposit or deposit installment
• A medical or disability process
• Local plumbing repair help

For example, El Paso Water assistance includes AguaCares, a limited program for eligible customers at risk of disconnection. Funding can run out and reopen later, so check the current page before applying.

If the water bill is part of a housing crisis, use the ASMOM Texas housing guide.

Phone and internet bill help

The Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024. It is not accepting applications or giving monthly discounts.

Lifeline Support is still active. An eligible household can receive up to $9.25 per month toward phone, internet, or bundled service. The benefit can be up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands.

A household may qualify through income or a program such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, federal public housing assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.

Texas applicants should follow the state path shown by Lifeline Support. The ASMOM phone and internet guide explains documents, household rules, and other lower-cost options.

Weatherization may lower future bills

The Texas weatherization program helps eligible households lower energy costs through energy audits, materials, and education. Local subrecipients cover all Texas counties.

Approved work may include air sealing, insulation, duct work, and repair or replacement of inefficient heating and cooling equipment when the program’s energy-savings rules are met. The program decides which measures are allowed after an inspection.

Current TDHCA guidelines show a 200% federal poverty limit for Department of Energy weatherization funds and a 150% limit for LIHEAP weatherization funds. The local provider decides which funding source and rules apply.

Weatherization is not emergency cash and may involve a wait. Renters can ask, but owner permission may be required. Use Help for Texans and choose weatherization to find the local provider.

Current local starting points

Texas programs vary by county and utility. These examples show why checking the live local page matters.

If your area is not listed, use Help for Texans and 2-1-1 rather than calling an agency outside its service area. A Community Action agency may also know about local utility, rent, food, or employment help.

Documents and information to gather

Call even if some papers are missing. Ask what other proof the agency accepts. Use the ASMOM documents checklist to build one folder.

If child care costs are making utility payments harder, check the ASMOM Texas child-care guide.