2026 Funding Alert: Timing Matters
Federal CEAP money is released to local agencies in January, and it goes fast. In recent years, agencies like BakerRipley (Houston) and Project BRAVO (El Paso) have hit their intake caps within weeks of opening.
As of August 2026: if you were told "we're full" earlier this year, call again now. "Phase 2" funding typically lands in late spring and summer, and a new federal fiscal year releases more money in October. Don't assume January's answer is still the answer.
2026 Income Limits: Do You Qualify?
CEAP qualification is based on 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These numbers updated in January 2026. If your household income is below these amounts, you likely qualify.
2026 CEAP Income Limits (150% FPG)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,940 | $1,995/month |
| 2 people | $32,460 | $2,705/month |
| 3 people | $40,980 | $3,415/month |
| 4 people | $49,500 | $4,125/month |
| 5 people | $58,020 | $4,835/month |
| 6 people | $66,540 | $5,545/month |
| 7 people | $75,060 | $6,255/month |
| 8 people | $83,580 | $6,965/month |
Who gets priority?
Agencies serve households with the highest energy burden first. You move up the list if you're elderly (60+), disabled, have young children, or your income is well below these limits. Households at 0-50% of poverty guidelines get larger benefit amounts than those at 75-150%.
Don't qualify for assistance? You still have options for no-deposit lights.
Income over these limits? Can't wait months for CEAP approval? You can still get your lights on today. We check multiple light companies to see if you qualify for $0 deposit on a traditional plan. Many people find at least one option without a credit check. Can't promise it'll work, but it's worth a 2-minute check. Worst case: prepaid lights with $40-75 to start, guaranteed approval, same-day service.
CEAP: The Main Program for Light Bill Help
CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program) is how Texas distributes federal LIHEAP money. It's the biggest source of help for light bills in the state.
What CEAP Pays For
Regular Light Bill Help
Pays current bills and past-due amounts. Most households get $400-$1,200 per year. "Vulnerable" households (elderly, disabled, families with young kids) can get every remaining bill in the program year covered.
Crisis Assistance
If your lights are about to get cut off (or already did), crisis funds can cover reconnection fees, past-due balances (no cap), and even AC/heating repair or replacement up to $9,000.
Heating/Cooling Equipment
If your A/C or heater is broken and you're vulnerable (elderly/disabled), CEAP can pay up to $9,000 for repair or replacement.
Deposits & Reconnection
Yes, they can pay your deposit to get a new light company or reconnect your current one. This falls under "Crisis Assistance." Before you wait on that, check the real deposit numbers from 63,950 Texas sign-ups — a light company asked for a deposit on about 15% of them, and Texas law caps how big that deposit can be.
How to Apply for CEAP
You can't apply directly to the state. TDHCA gives money to local agencies called "Subrecipients" who handle applications. Find your local agency by calling 211.
Documents You'll Need:
- 1. Government ID for all adults (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- 2. Proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, green card, voter registration)
- 3. Income proof for the last 30 days, all adults (pay stubs, SSDI letter, SNAP letter, pension statement)
- 4. Your most recent light bill (all pages)
- 5. Disconnection notice (if you have one, required for crisis funding)
Processing takes 4-8 weeks. That's why we say apply before you're in crisis. If you need lights today, prepaid plans are your bridge while you wait.
Programs You Might Have Heard About (But Don't Exist Anymore)
LITE-UP Texas
The discount program ended August 31, 2016 — in its final year it covered about 31% of summer bills. The System Benefit Fund ran out. It hasn't come back. If you see old articles about this, they're outdated.
Texas Utility Help (Statewide Portal)
The texasutilityhelp.com portal is closed to new applications as of 2026. All applications now go through your local county agency. Call 211 to find yours.
City-by-City Directory: Who to Call
Every major Texas city has its own agency that handles CEAP. Here's exactly who to contact, with each agency's 2026 funding history (updated August 21, 2026).
Houston (Harris County)
- -
BakerRipley (CEAP Administrator)
Handles all CEAP applications for Houston and Harris County.
713-590-2327 | bakerripley.org
- -
CenterPoint "Agencies in Action"
Free weatherization (insulation, A/C tune-up) for households under 200% FPG. Not bill payment, but saves you money long-term.
centerpointenergy.com
- -
Catholic Charities Houston
Light bill help regardless of religion. Specific programs for 4Change, Ambit, Reliant, and TXU customers.
713-526-4611
- -
St. Vincent de Paul Houston
Emergency utility assistance. Requires home visit (virtual or in-person).
713-741-8234
Dallas (Dallas County)
- -
Dallas County Health and Human Services
CEAP administrator for Dallas County.
214-819-1848
- -
City of Dallas Social Services
Emergency utility assistance separate from CEAP.
214-670-8416
- -
St. Vincent de Paul Dallas
Emergency utility assistance through local parish conferences.
469-607-0909
- -
Catholic Charities Dallas
Utility assistance and financial stability services.
866-CCD-7500
San Antonio (Bexar County)
- -
City of San Antonio REAP
Residential Energy Assistance Partnership. Up to $400/year applied twice.
210-207-8198
- -
Bexar County CEAP
Federal CEAP assistance for county residents.
210-335-3666
- -
CPS Energy Assistance
San Antonio's municipal utility has its own hardship programs and payment plans.
210-353-2222
- -
St. Vincent de Paul San Antonio
Emergency utility assistance.
210-225-7837
Austin (Travis County)
- -
Travis County Health and Human Services
CEAP administrator. Online pre-screening portal, applications served in order received.
512-854-4120 | traviscountytx.gov
- -
Austin Energy "Plus 1" Fund
Emergency utility assistance for serious illness, job loss. Administered by UPLift (St. Matthew's).
512-494-9400
- -
Family Eldercare
Summer fan drives for seniors/disabled. Also helps with utility assistance referrals.
512-450-0844
Fort Worth (Tarrant County)
- -
Community Action Partners (CAP) Fort Worth
CEAP administrator for Tarrant County.
817-392-2276 | CAP@FortWorthTexas.gov
- -
Catholic Charities Fort Worth
Short-term financial assistance for utilities.
817-534-0814
El Paso
- -
Project BRAVO
CEAP administrator for El Paso County.
915-562-4100 | projectbravo.org
Arlington
- -
Community Action Partners (Tarrant County)
Arlington CAP Center, 401 W. Sanford St. Serves Tarrant County residents including Arlington.
817-392-5790
Corpus Christi (Nueces County)
- -
Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST)
CEAP administrator. Applications by appointment only.
956-423-1100
- -
Mission 911
"Project One Water" and utility assistance programs.
361-882-0911 | ccmission911.org
- -
Salvation Army Corpus Christi
ESG rental/utility assistance.
Plano (Collin County)
- -
Assistance Center of Collin County
Emergency utility assistance for Plano ISD/Wylie ISD residents. Income limit 200% FPG.
972-422-1850 (M-F 9am-3pm) | assistancecenter.org
- -
Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG)
CEAP administrator for Collin County.
tcog.com
Killeen (Bell County)
- -
Hill Country Community Action Association (HCCAA)
CEAP administrator for Bell County.
254-547-6022 (ext 2506) or 254-200-4533
Light Company Hardship Programs
Some light companies have their own assistance programs, funded by customer donations. These are separate from CEAP and you can "stack" them. Get help from both.
Reliant CARE
Community Assistance by Reliant Energy. Partners with local agencies to provide bill credits to Reliant customers.
How to apply: Call 211 and ask for agencies managing Reliant CARE funds. Approval can take up to 8 weeks.
TXU Energy Aid
Uses donations to help families pay bills. Special program for veterans with combat injuries.
How to apply: Call 211 or 800-242-9113.
AEP Texas Neighbor to Neighbor
Up to $200 in bill payment help for AEP customers. Administered by Dollar Energy Fund.
Requirement: Must have paid at least $75-$100 toward your bill in the last 90 days (they call it "sincere effort of payment"). Open Oct 2025 through Sept 2026.
Nonprofit Help (Statewide)
These organizations help people across Texas. They don't care about your religion, background, or how you got here. They just help. Less red tape than government programs, but usually smaller amounts.
Salvation Army
Emergency assistance centers in every major Texas metro. Help with light bills, past-due amounts, sometimes deposits. Usually once per year.
sahelp.org (enter your ZIP)
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Organized by local parish "Conferences." You apply to the one in your zip code. Home visit (virtual or in-person) usually required.
Dallas: 469-607-0909 | Houston: 713-741-8234 | San Antonio: 210-225-7837
Catholic Charities
Multiple locations across Texas. You don't need to be Catholic. Utility assistance, emergency aid, and financial stability services.
Dallas: 866-CCD-7500 | Fort Worth: 817-534-0814 | Houston: 713-526-4611
Dollar Energy Fund
Administers AEP Texas "Neighbor to Neighbor" program. Grants up to $200 for qualifying customers.
dollarenergy.org
When to Apply: The Funding Calendar
Timing matters. Federal money comes in waves. Here's when to be ready.
CRITICAL MONTH
CEAP funds released to local agencies. Online portals open and often fill within days. Apply immediately.
Secondary Opening
Dallas County CEAP reopens Feb 16, 2026. Bexar County REAP reopens mid-Feb. Good time to try again if denied in January.
Cooling Season
Focus shifts to cooling assistance. Summer fan drives at agencies like Family Eldercare (Austin) distribute free fans to seniors/disabled.
Phase 2 Funding
New federal fiscal year. Some agencies receive additional funding. AEP Neighbor to Neighbor program opens Oct 1.
Holiday Period
Some light companies have holiday moratoriums on disconnects. Salvation Army and Catholic Charities often have holiday-specific aid. St. Vincent de Paul offices closed Dec 24-Jan 5.
Best Time to Call
For agencies that take "first 50 callers" each day (like some St. Vincent de Paul chapters): call early morning right when they open. For online applications: January, first thing in the morning when portals open. Don't wait for the pink slip. Apply before you're in crisis.
If You Get Denied: What to Do Next
Appeal the Decision
Every CEAP agency has a written appeals process. Ask for it. If the local agency denies your appeal, you can escalate to TDHCA, and finally to the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
Try Church-Based Help
Call 211 immediately and ask about St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, or local church assistance. Less red tape than federal programs. Many churches have emergency funds even for people who aren't members.
Call Your Light Company
Ask about a deferred payment plan or installment arrangement. Texas rule 16 TAC §25.480 makes light companies offer a deferred payment plan in specific situations — bills due during extreme weather emergencies, declared disasters, and summer bills for customers who say they can't pay. Every disconnection notice must also tell you about payment plans and assistance, and once an assistance agency pledges money on your account, they can't cut you off for 45 days. It buys you time while you seek other help.
Wait for Phase 2
If denied because funding ran out (not because you didn't qualify), mark your calendar for late spring/early summer. Many agencies get additional funds and reopen applications.
Get Pay-As-You-Go Lights While You Figure It Out
No deposit. No credit check. Same-day service. Use it as a bridge while you wait for assistance or find another solution. See your options here.
Can You Use Multiple Programs?
Yes. You can "stack" programs. Here's how it works:
- - CEAP + Light Company Program: Get CEAP assistance, then apply for Reliant CARE or TXU Energy Aid for any remaining balance.
- - CEAP + Nonprofit: Get CEAP, then ask Salvation Army or Catholic Charities to cover what's left.
- - City + Federal: San Antonio REAP and CEAP are separate programs. You may qualify for both.
Each program has its own rules. Tell them what other assistance you've received. They need to know, and it usually doesn't disqualify you.
Special Help for Seniors, Disabled, and Veterans
Seniors (60+)
Priority status for CEAP. You get served before general population. San Antonio REAP has specific qualification for 60+. Family Eldercare (Austin) runs summer fan drives specifically for seniors. Many agencies offer larger benefit amounts for elderly households.
Disabled Individuals
"Priority 1" status for CEAP. Also look into your TDU's Critical Care Registry. It's not financial aid, but prevents immediate disconnection if you have medical equipment. Requires a doctor's note. See our full guide on medical certificates for disconnection protection.
Contact Oncor or CenterPoint to register.
Veterans
TXU Energy has dedicated bill payment assistance for combat-injured veterans. Catholic Charities Fort Worth and Houston have separate Veterans Services programs with their own funding pools for utilities.
TXU Veterans Program: 800-242-9113
What to Do Right Now
If your lights are off or you're about to fall behind, here's the playbook.
Call 211
They'll tell you every program you qualify for in your area. One phone call, all the answers. Free and confidential. You can also text your ZIP code to 898211.
Apply for CEAP Today
Start the application now. Processing takes 4-8 weeks, but once approved it typically covers $400-$1,200 in bills — and past-due balances with no cap. Apply through your local Community Action Agency.
Call Your Light Company
Ask about deferred payment plans. In certain situations — extreme weather, declared disasters, summer bills when you say you can't pay — they're required to offer one (16 TAC §25.480), and many offer them anytime you ask. Also ask if they have any hardship programs (Reliant CARE, TXU Energy Aid, etc.). This buys you time.
Get Pay-As-You-Go Lights to Keep Your Power On Today
No deposit. No credit check. Same-day service. Use it as a bridge while your assistance application processes. See all your options here.
While You Wait for Assistance
Assistance programs take 4-8 weeks to process. That's a long time without lights. Here's the bridge:
Pay-as-you-go lights get you power today
- - No deposit to come up with
- - No credit check at all
- - Start for $40-75. That money goes toward your power, not a deposit
- - Most people get their lights on the same day
- - No contract. Switch to a cheaper plan once your assistance comes through
The rates are higher than regular plans, but it keeps your lights on while you wait. Once your CEAP or other assistance kicks in, you can switch to a cheaper plan.
Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.
Quick Reference: Key Phone Numbers
| Program / Agency | Phone | 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| 211 Texas | 211 or text ZIP to 898211 | Always Available |
| BakerRipley (Houston) | 713-590-2327 | Hit cap Jan 2026 — ask about Phase 2 |
| Dallas County HHS | 214-819-1848 | Reopened Feb 16, 2026 |
| City of San Antonio | 210-207-8198 | Reopened mid-Feb 2026 |
| Travis County (Austin) | 512-854-4120 | Open |
| CAP Fort Worth | 817-392-2276 | Opened Jan 30, 2026 |
| Project BRAVO (El Paso) | 915-562-4100 | Hit cap Jan 2026 — ask about Phase 2 |
| Reliant CARE | Call 211 | Ongoing |
| TXU Energy Aid | 800-242-9113 | Ongoing |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get help paying my light bill in Texas?
What is CEAP and how do I apply?
Can I get my deposit paid by an assistance program?
When does CEAP funding run out?
What happened to LITE-UP Texas?
Where do I call for utility help in Texas?
Is it legal to live without power in Texas?
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Program details, income limits, and contact information may change. For official rules, visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas or TDHCA. NoDepositLights.com is powered by Compare Power (PUCT License BR190020).
