Help with Bills in Texas

The living standard in Texas is relatively high and this makes it a lot harder for single mothers to pay their bills regularly on time. To help out single moms in Texas, we’ve put together several benefits, projects and benefits aimed at assisting single moms in paying their utility bills. This includes, energy, water, medical and even telephone bills.

Help with Electricity Bills

The Neighbor to Neighbor Program is run by the Dollar Energy Fund, which is an organization founded with the sole purpose to make it a bit easier for low income households to afford their utility bills. This program assists SWEPCO customers in paying their electric bill and because of the high demand, they work on a first come first serve basis. Only eligible candidates will be considered for this benefit. To get more information on eligibility and how the program works, visit their website at: https://www.dollarenergy.org/need-help/texas/aep-swepco-neighbor-neighbor-program/

Help with Water Bills

The SouthWest Water Company runs a water assistance program known as the Water Assist. It was formerly known as Help2Others and basically it identifies which of its customers are struggling to pay bills and it gives out $20 for water assistance and $40 that goes towards sewage and water expenses. Furthermore, it also hosts an emergency assistance benefit that is available to all its customers regardless of whether they meet minimum income requirements or not. Read more from their website at: https://www.swwc.com/

Help with Heating Bills

Single moms in Texas can manage their heating bills better with the help of the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program. The program provides assistance in the following ways:

• Financial assistance to vulnerable households. Vulnerable households are homes containing elderly citizens, disabled people and children and infants.
• During times of crisis or high energy costs inflation, it will pay up to 6 of the largest bills of affected residents.
• Educates citizens on how to be more economic with their energy usage, especially in harsh weather conditions.

In addition to other eligibility requirements, you must be a full time Texas resident and you need to provide proof that you’re in need of financial assistance. Here is a link to their website: https://texaslawhelp.org/article/energy-assistance-programs-texas.

Help with Phone Bills

The government understands that communication and internet connection aren’t luxuries but rather necessities, especially since most people  are making the switch from in-office work to working remotely. The Lifeline Program is a federal program that supplies single moms and low earning households with discounted mobile data plans, landline communication and WIFI connection.The discount size depends on the number of people living in a household and the maximum discount a household can get is $65. To be eligible for the project, candidates have to have an annual income of lower than 150% of the average income in the area. Read more on the Lifeline Program from their website at: https://www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/lowincome/assistance.aspx

Help with Medical and Healthcare Bills

Single moms in Texas can seek healthcare assistance from the Medicaid Program. Since a large portion of people in Texas as well as the rest of the country can’t afford medical expenses, the government launched a statewide program known as Medicaid. Each state has its own department. The program allows struggling people to benefit from very affordable, and sometimes free healthcare.Special attention is given to pregnant women, people who are legally in charge of minors, disabled people and residents over the age of 65 years old. Visit their website to find out more about eligibility requirements: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1640

Help with Food and Meals

The Food Stamp Program is another nationwide project with departments in each state. It allows eligible participants to buy groceries and other food items by using electronic benefit transfer cards and coupons. The Food Stamp is known as the ‘’first line of defense against hunger’’ and with that said, it shouldn’t be regarded as the main source of food but merely a benefit to supplement groceries. Get more details here: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits