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Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Texas

Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Texas

Last updated: September 2025

This is a plain‑spoken, step‑by‑step hub for Texas single moms who need help with power, gas, water, and internet/phone today. Every section starts with the most urgent action first, then gives a back‑up plan if that path doesn’t work. Links are descriptive and placed right where you need them.


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Texas Today

Start with the call that can actually stop a truck from arriving. Be ready with your account number, last four digits of SSN, and any proof of a payment you can make this week.

  • Ask for three things on the same call: a deferred payment plan, a short “disconnect hold,” and a due‑date extension. These are spelled out in the PUCT rules on Bill Payment and Adjustments §25.480, and providers must offer a deferred plan during an extreme weather emergency in Disconnection rule §25.483. If your REP says no, ask for a supervisor and cite those rule numbers. (law.cornell.edu)
  • Mention extreme weather protections: if the National Weather Service has a heat advisory for your county, or yesterday stayed at/below 32°F and today is forecast to remain at/below 32°F, a REP cannot disconnect for nonpayment and must offer a deferred plan. Read the definition in PUCT §25.483(j) and use the contact options at PUCT Consumer Protection if needed. (regulations.justia.com)
  • If you have medical risk in the home: ask your doctor to submit the state Critical Care/Chronic Condition form to your wires company (TDU). Find the process at Oncor — Chronic/Critical, TNMP Critical Care Residential, or use your city utility’s medical program such as CPS Energy Critical Care. This designation does not guarantee no outages, but it adds time and special notices. (oncor.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 1-888-782-8477 to open a PUCT complaint, then call 2‑1‑1 to locate a local agency able to make a same‑day pledge. Under PUCT §25.483 a REP must allow up to 45 days for an aid pledge to be honored before requesting disconnection, which buys time. Use PUCT Consumer Protection to log the timeline. (regulations.justia.com)

CEAP (LIHEAP Energy Bill Help) — Who Qualifies, How Much, How to Apply

Start here if you need help paying an electric or gas bill. CEAP is Texas’ main energy bill program using federal LIHEAP funds. You apply through a local agency, not directly with the state.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your provider about a medical flag, a longer deferred plan, and utility‑run assistance like TXU Energy Aid or Reliant CARE. Call 2‑1‑1 if your county agency is out of funds, and try church‑based aid such as Society of St. Vincent de Paul — find your conference. (txu.com)

Water Bill Help in 2025 — What Still Exists After LIHWAP Ended

Federal LIHWAP water funding ended in 2024, so water help is now city/utility‑run or through charities and CEAP add‑ons where allowed.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for a leak‑adjustment or one‑time bill review (Houston’s Universal Adjustment form), call 2‑1‑1 for church‑based help (try St. Vincent de Paul conference near you), and ask your water utility about medical/“life‑support dependent on water” flags like Fort Worth Life Support. (houstonwaterbills.houstontx.gov)

Internet and Phone Discounts in 2025

  • ACP ended: The federal Affordable Connectivity Program stopped on June 1, 2024. See the FCC’s notice at FCC — ACP Has Ended and wind‑down updates at FCC ACP page. Your bill may have gone up this year. (fcc.gov)
  • Use Lifeline instead: Lifeline still gives up to $9.25/month off phone or internet (more on Tribal lands). Apply or recertify at USAC Lifeline, see Texas’ details at PUCT Lifeline page, and learn the 60‑day recert window at USAC Recertify. (usac.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your provider about low‑income plans; some carriers still honor discounted phone bundles linked to USAC Lifeline and the PUCT Lifeline program. If you live on Tribal land, ask your Tribal office about enhanced support. (usac.org)

Key Eligibility Rules and Documents You’ll Need

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your documents are missing, ask if the agency accepts alternative proofs (award letters, employer letters, or self‑declaration forms listed in TDHCA CEAP Guidance). For urgent shutoffs, ask your provider for a short hold while you gather paperwork. (tdhca.texas.gov)

Application Checklist (screenshot‑friendly)

  • Valid photo ID(s) for adults (TX ID, driver’s license, consular ID). See required lists at United Way Greater Houston CEAP, and search your local office at Help for Texans.
  • Proof of income for everyone 18+ for the last 30 days (pay stubs, SNAP/TANF/SSI award letters). Check forms on TDHCA CEAP Guidance.
  • Proof of citizenship/eligible status for each household member getting assistance. See examples at United Way Greater Houston CEAP.
  • Your current utility bill and past due/disconnect notice if you have one. Confirm document lists at DCHHS CEAP.
  • 12‑month usage/billing history if available. Ask your utility or use account portals linked from PUCT Consumer Protection.

(unitedwayhouston.org)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Program or Action Who to contact Typical timing Notes
CEAP (energy bills) Help for Texans, 1‑877‑399‑8939 Plan on 2–12+ weeks depending on county Crisis cases can be faster; confirm locally. (tdhca.texas.gov)
Deferred payment plan Your REP or city utility; PUCT §25.480 Same day Ask for written confirmation. (law.cornell.edu)
Extreme weather protection Your REP; PUCT §25.483 Immediate No disconnect during heat advisory/freeze days. (regulations.justia.com)
Lifeline phone/internet USAC Lifeline 1–2 weeks Recertify yearly. (usac.org)
Water bill adjustment Your city water utility; e.g., Houston Universal Adjustment 1–3 billing cycles Policies vary by city. (houstonwaterbills.houstontx.gov)

CEAP Income Limits (150% FPG) — Program Year 2025

Household Size 150% FPG
1 $23,475
2 $31,725
3 $39,975
4 $48,225
5 $56,475
6 $64,725
7 $72,975
8 $81,225

Source: TDHCA CEAP Program Guidance — 2025 Income Limits; confirm at LIHEAP Clearinghouse — Texas. Amounts update annually; call to confirm before applying. (tdhca.texas.gov)

Disconnection Protections and Payment Rules (Electric)

Protection What it means Where it’s written
Extreme weather emergency No electric disconnections for nonpayment during NWS heat advisory, or when prior day’s high ≤32°F and today’s forecast ≤32°F PUCT §25.483(j) (regulations.justia.com)
Deferred payment plan REPs must offer a plan during extreme weather and in some other cases PUCT §25.480 (law.cornell.edu)
Aid pledge time REPs must allow up to 45 days for an aid pledge to post before requesting disconnection PUCT §25.483(c)(3) (regulations.justia.com)
Deposit waivers Family violence victims and medically indigent applicants may qualify for no‑deposit service PUCT §25.478(d) (law.cornell.edu)

TDU “Critical Care/Chronic Condition” Contacts (Electric Delivery Utilities)

Utility area Where to apply Notes
Oncor (DFW/Central) Oncor Chronic/Critical Doctor must submit the form; designation adds notices/time but not guaranteed power. (oncor.com)
CenterPoint (Houston) CenterPoint — Critical Care Keep contact info updated for outage alerts; still pay bills to avoid disconnect. (centerpointenergy.com)
AEP Texas (South/West) Ask REP for TDU form; start with TXU Critical Care page (form link) REP can provide the unified PUCT form. (apinp.txu.com)
TNMP (Gulf/West) TNMP Critical Care Residential Physician must submit directly to TNMP. (tnmp.com)

Major City and Utility Quick Guide

City/Utility Where to start Key programs
Houston (water) Houston Utility Billing W.A.T.E.R. Fund, Universal Adjustment, meter replacement plan; 6% rate increase began April 2025. (houstonpublicworks.org)
San Antonio (CPS Energy) CPS Energy ADP Affordability Discount Program (~18.36/monthcombined),REAPupto18.36/month combined), REAP up to 400/year, Critical Care. (cpsenergy.com)
Austin (Austin Energy) City CAP hub CAP Discounts, Plus 1 emergency aid, Weatherization (80% MFI, CAP or Medically Vulnerable). (austinenergy.com)
Dallas (DWU water) DWU Payment Plans Payment plans, authorized pay stations; ask about Operation WaterShare via 3‑1‑1. (dallascityhall.com)
Fort Worth (water) FW Bill Assistance Payment plans, SmartRepair leak fixes, Life Support registry. (fortworthtexas.gov)
El Paso (water/electric) EPWater AguaCares, El Paso Electric Project Care AguaCares up to $250 once/yr for at‑risk disconnect; Project CARE via county/Salvation Army. (epwater.org)

Step‑by‑Step: Applying for CEAP Without Delays

What to do if this doesn’t work: If the local CEAP is out of funds or backlogged, ask about city utility programs (see table above), use 2‑1‑1 for charities, and ask your REP about utility‑funded programs like TXU Energy Aid or Reliant CARE. (txu.com)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your REP about its own assistance funds (e.g., TXU Energy Aid, Reliant CARE), and ask your gas utility about funds such as Texas Gas Service Share the Warmth or Atmos Energy assistance events/donations. (txu.com)

Resources by Region (Where to Go First)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Try neighboring county agencies in Help for Texans, ask utilities about hardship funds (TXU Energy Aid, Reliant CARE), and call the PUCT if a REP refuses a required plan (PUCT Consumer Protection). (tdhca.texas.gov)

Diverse Communities: Targeted Tips and Doors to Knock On

What to do if this doesn’t work: Escalate to the PUCT (1‑888‑782‑8477), ask your local legal aid via 2‑1‑1, and request ADA accommodations or VRS/TTY numbers listed on PUCT Consumer Protection. (puc.texas.gov)

Reality Check (Read This Before You Plan Your Month)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Waiting for a denial before calling your provider: Call your REP today for a deferred plan under PUCT §25.480, then apply for CEAP at Help for Texans to backstop the plan. (law.cornell.edu)
  • Submitting partial CEAP files: Incomplete uploads add weeks. Dallas County shows 10–12 week queues even when complete; see DCHHS CEAP and TDHCA CEAP Guidance to prep. (dallascounty.org)
  • Ignoring medical flags: If anyone relies on electricity for life‑sustaining equipment, ask your TDU for Critical Care right now using Oncor or TNMP; get your doctor to submit the form directly. (oncor.com)

Troubleshooting: If Your Application Gets Denied

  • Ask for the exact reason in writing: Then fix only that issue. If it’s income, check the 150% chart at TDHCA CEAP Guidance; if it’s documents, re‑upload precisely what’s missing. (tdhca.texas.gov)
  • Re‑apply and call the provider: Request a new deferred plan under PUCT §25.480; ask for a written confirmation email/text. If a charity will pledge, inform your REP so the 45‑day pledge window in §25.483 applies. (law.cornell.edu)
  • Escalate: If you believe the denial was wrong or discriminatory, file a complaint at PUCT Consumer Protection. For water/sewer, use your city’s utility ombuds or council office and call 2‑1‑1 for legal aid referral. (puc.texas.gov)

County‑Specific Notes (Variations That Matter)

Real‑World Examples (What This Looks Like)

Tips to Lower Bills This Month (that actually help)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Switch to levelized/budget billing with your REP (ask and reference PUCT §25.480) and re‑price your plan at Power to Choose at least 30 days before your term ends. (law.cornell.edu)

FAQs — Texas Utility Assistance (2025)

  • How fast can CEAP pay my bill in a shutoff crisis?
    If your file is complete and your agency has crisis funding, pledges can be same‑day to 5 business days. Regular files can take 2–12+ weeks depending on county — Harris County says allow 8 weeks; Dallas County posts 10–12 weeks. Use United Way/BakerRipley CEAP, DCHHS CEAP, and Help for Texans to confirm. (unitedwayhouston.org)
  • Can my REP disconnect me during extreme heat?
    Not during a heat advisory day for your county (or if a heat advisory was issued on either of the two prior days). That’s in PUCT §25.483(j). Ask for a deferred plan immediately. (regulations.justia.com)
  • What if I can’t afford the deposit to start service?
    Victims of family violence and medically indigent applicants can qualify for no‑deposit service under PUCT §25.478. Ask your advocate or doctor for the certification letter. (law.cornell.edu)
  • Where can I get water bill help now that LIHWAP ended?
    Use city funds (e.g., Houston W.A.T.E.R. Fund), CEAP (if your agency allows water), or local charities via 2‑1‑1. The feds say LIHWAP funding is over — see ACF LIHWAP — so call your city utility first. (houstonpublicworks.org)
  • Does Austin still have discounts?
    Yes. The City’s Customer Assistance Program serves tens of thousands and funds electric, water/wastewater, drainage discounts and weatherization. (austinenergy.com)
  • How much help can CPS Energy give?
    CPS’s Affordability Discount Program provides about 18.36/monthcombined(asofFeb2025),and∗[REAP](https://www.cpsenergy.com/content/corporate/en/my−home/customer−assist−programs/reap.html)∗offersupto18.36/month combined (as of Feb 2025), and *[REAP](https://www.cpsenergy.com/content/corporate/en/my-home/customer-assist-programs/reap.html)* offers up to 400/year if eligible. (cpsenergy.com)
  • Is there any internet discount now?
    ACP ended in 2024 — see FCC ACP FAQ. Switch to USAC Lifeline and ask your ISP about low‑income plans. (fcc.gov)
  • Can a charity pledge stop disconnection?
    Yes, once the provider receives notice, the REP must allow time (often up to 45 days) for the pledge to post, under PUCT §25.483(c)(3). Get the pledge number and call your REP. (regulations.justia.com)
  • Where do I report a provider ignoring the rules?
    Call PUCT Consumer Protection at 1‑888‑782‑8477 (TTY 1‑800‑735‑2988) and file a complaint. Keep notes and screenshots. (puc.texas.gov)
  • Do co‑ops have assistance?
    Many do. See Bandera EC Assistance Resources and PEC Member Assistance, and call 2‑1‑1 for local churches that pledge to co‑ops. (banderaelectric.com)

Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español (producido con herramientas de IA)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified: September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance in Texas as of September 2025. Program amounts, eligibility, timelines, and rules can change at any time based on funding and policy decisions. Always confirm details with your local agency or utility. Use the official portals and phone numbers linked here to reduce the risk of scams.

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