Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Texas

Where to start in Texas

Start with the bill that is most urgent. A shutoff notice, a past-due amount, or a child’s medical need should come before a bill that is only a little late.

If you also need rent, food, or child care help, use the Texas help guide as a wider starting point.

Quick help table

CEAP energy help in Texas

CEAP is Texas’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It helps low-income households with immediate home energy needs and energy education. Local agencies may help with electric, gas, or propane bills, depending on your account, county, and funding.

TDHCA says CEAP is run through local subrecipients that cover all 254 Texas counties. This means your next step is local. TDHCA does not usually take your application directly from its main office.

Texas uses the federal poverty guidelines for these programs. The TDHCA income page lists 2026 program income levels and says CEAP is calculated at 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

These figures are a guide, not a promise of approval. The agency may count income, household members, citizenship or eligible status, utility account details, and other facts before it decides.

Shutoff rules and payment plans

Texas utility rules can be different based on your provider. Many Texans have a retail electric provider, often called a REP. Some people are served by a city-owned utility or an electric co-op. Do not assume the same rule works the same way in every area.

If you are behind on electricity, the PUCT says retail electric providers offer payment assistance and, during certain conditions, deferred payment plans. The PUCT’s bill help page is a good place to start before calling your provider.

If you already received a disconnect notice, review the PUCT disconnect notice page. It explains that a provider must give notice before many disconnections and that special protections may apply for extreme weather, agency pledges, and critical medical conditions.

A critical care or chronic condition form can add protection for some households, but it does not erase the bill and does not guarantee power during outages. If someone in your home uses electric medical equipment, ask the utility which form the doctor must complete.

If you are also facing eviction or unsafe housing because bills are unpaid, read Texas emergency help and Texas housing help next.

Water bill help in Texas

Water help is more local than electric help. Start with the water company or city utility on your bill. Ask for a payment plan, hardship fund, leak adjustment, senior or disability discount, and any rule that can stop a disconnect while an application is pending.

The temporary federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program is not a current backup. ACF says LIHWAP funding is no longer available, so households cannot receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Some Texas water utilities have their own help. For example, El Paso Water lists AguaCares as a limited program for eligible customers at risk of disconnection. Your city may have a different name, different dates, or no open fund.

Phone and internet help

The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024. If your internet bill went up, look at Lifeline and low-cost provider plans instead.

USAC Lifeline is the main federal phone and internet discount. USAC says Lifeline can provide up to $9.25 per month toward phone or internet service, and up to $34.25 per month for eligible households on Tribal lands.

Lifeline will not cover a large utility bill, but it can lower a monthly phone or internet cost. If you need digital access for school, work, or benefit forms, read ASMOM’s Texas technology help.

Weatherization and lower bills

If your bill is high every month, ask about weatherization. The Texas weatherization program can help eligible households lower energy costs through home improvements and energy education.

Weatherization is not emergency cash. It may involve an inspection, waiting list, landlord approval, or repair limits. Still, it can help a family that keeps falling behind every summer or winter.

Renters can ask, too. The agency will explain whether your landlord must sign forms before work can be done.

Local starting points in large Texas areas

Texas is large, and local windows change often. Always confirm the current status before you gather papers or take time off work.

If your area is not listed, use Help for Texans and 2-1-1. Local charities may be listed under utility assistance, rent assistance, emergency help, or basic needs. ASMOM’s Texas community support guide can also help you think through local nonprofits and churches.

Documents to gather

Each office can ask for different papers. Gather what you can before you apply. If something is missing, ask whether the agency accepts another proof.

If you need SNAP, Medicaid, or child care papers at the same time, these guides may help: SNAP food help, Medicaid for mothers, and child care help.

If you are denied, delayed, or ignored

If an agency denies you, ask for the reason in writing. You may be missing a document, over the income limit, outside the service area, or applying when funds are closed.

If you cannot reach the local agency, call 2-1-1 again and ask for a different provider, a city hardship fund, church assistance, and utility company aid funds. Some electric providers have their own charity partners. For example, TXU payment help and Reliant CARE point customers to agency assistance.

If the problem is a bill dispute, disconnection rule, refused payment plan, or complaint about a provider, ask the PUCT how to file a complaint. If the utility issue is tied to domestic violence, disability, unsafe housing, or a court problem, consider Texas legal help. For disability-related utility needs, see Texas disability help.