What Is LIHEAP?
LIHEAP stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It's a federal program that gives states money to help people pay their light bills. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sends Texas its share every year, and Texas distributes it through local agencies.
In Texas, LIHEAP money flows through a program called CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program). Same federal dollars, different name. When you hear someone say "apply for CEAP," they're talking about Texas's version of LIHEAP.
Here's what matters: LIHEAP/CEAP can pay real money toward your light bill. Not a $25 gift card. Not a "discount." Actual payments sent directly to your light company.
What LIHEAP/CEAP Covers in Texas
- - Your light bills — up to 6 remaining bills in the program year, or every remaining bill if your household includes someone 60 or older, disabled, or a child under 6
- - Past-due balances that are putting you at risk of getting cut off — with no dollar cap, and they don't count against your annual benefit limit
- - Advance payments of up to two months of estimated bills on your account (agencies use this instead of paying refundable deposits, which Texas rules don't allow)
- - Reconnection fees if your lights already got cut off
- - AC and heating repair or replacement in an emergency — up to $9,000 to fix or replace a broken unit, including portable units while you wait
- - Weatherization like insulation, weather stripping, and AC/heating tune-ups for qualifying homes
Add it all up and Texas caps the combined help at $12,600 per household per program year — and past-due balances don't even count toward that cap. Most households get $400 to $1,200, but if you're facing disconnection or a dead AC in August, the crisis side of the program goes much further.
Who Qualifies for LIHEAP in Texas?
The income limits are higher than most people think. You don't have to be at rock bottom to qualify.
2026 Income Limits (150% of Federal Poverty Level)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,940 | $1,995 |
| 2 | $32,460 | $2,705 |
| 3 | $40,980 | $3,415 |
| 4 | $49,500 | $4,125 |
| 5 | $58,020 | $4,835 |
| 6 | $66,540 | $5,545 |
| 7 | $75,060 | $6,255 |
| 8 | $83,580 | $6,965 |
For each additional person, add $8,520 per year. Based on the 2026 federal poverty guidelines.
That means a family of four making $49,500 or less per year qualifies. If you're working full-time at $23/hour, you're under the limit for a family of four.
What Counts as Income
The agency looks at gross income (before taxes) for everyone in your household age 18 and up, usually just the last 30 days. SNAP benefits don't count as income. A slow month at work can put you under the limit even if a normal month wouldn't — apply based on your worst recent month.
Your income level also sets how much help you get. Texas splits applicants into tiers — the further you are below the poverty line, the bigger the share of each bill CEAP pays.
Who Gets Priority (and Bigger Benefits)
Texas gives priority to households the state calls "vulnerable." If anyone in your home is:
- - 60 or older
- - Living with a disability
- - A child under 6
...your household can get every remaining light bill in the program year covered, instead of the 6-bill limit that applies to everyone else. Tell the agency up front if any of these apply — it changes what you qualify for.
Automatic Qualification
You may automatically qualify if anyone in your household receives:
- - SNAP (food stamps)
- - TANF (cash assistance)
- - SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- - Means-tested veterans benefits (like VA pension)
If you're already on one of these programs, you've basically pre-qualified. The agency still needs your application, but income verification is streamlined.
Other Requirements
- - Must be a Texas resident
- - Must have a light bill in your name (or proof you're responsible for the bill)
- - Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen (some agencies are flexible, ask)
- - Can apply even if you're on prepaid lights (some agencies cover prepaid top-ups)
One thing that trips people up: you don't have to be on a traditional plan. If you're on pay-as-you-go lights and need help adding funds, some community action agencies will work with you. Ask specifically about prepaid assistance when you call.
How to Apply for LIHEAP/CEAP in Texas
Find Your Local Community Action Agency
Texas doesn't have one central LIHEAP office. The money goes to local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the state. Your CAA depends on where you live.
The fastest way to find yours: Call 211. That's it. Dial 2-1-1 from any phone. Free. Available 24/7. Tell them: "I need help with my light bill. I want to apply for CEAP." They'll connect you with the right agency for your ZIP code.
You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or visit 211texas.org.
Gather Your Documents
Have these ready before you call or visit:
- -Photo ID for all adults in the household
- -Social Security cards for all household members
- -Proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters, bank statements)
- -Most recent light bill or account statement
- -Proof of address (lease, mortgage statement, or piece of mail)
- -Disconnect notice if you have one (this can bump you to crisis priority)
If you're on SNAP or TANF, bring your benefit award letter. It speeds things up because the agency already knows your income qualifies.
Missing a document? Call the agency first and ask what alternatives they accept. Some will take a signed statement for certain items. Don't let one missing paper stop you from applying.
Submit Your Application
Most agencies offer three ways to apply:
- 1.In person: Walk into the agency office during business hours. Bring your documents. Some take walk-ins, others need appointments.
- 2.By phone: Call the agency and complete the application over the phone. You may need to email or fax documents.
- 3.Online: Some agencies have online portals. BakerRipley and several others accept online applications through their websites.
In-person applications at busy agencies (especially Houston and Dallas) can mean long waits. Showing up when the doors open at 8 AM is usually your best bet.
Wait for Processing
Processing times vary by local agency:
- -Crisis assistance (facing disconnection): federal LIHEAP rules require the agency to resolve it within 48 hours — 18 hours if it's life-threatening
- -Regular assistance: often a few weeks
- -Peak season (summer and January): runs longer — call your local agency or 2-1-1 for current wait times
If your lights are about to get cut off, tell the agency immediately. Crisis applications get moved to the front of the line.
Once approved, the agency sends the payment directly to your light company. You don't get a check. The money goes straight to your account.
Major Texas Community Action Agencies
| Agency | Area Served | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| BakerRipley | Houston / Harris County | (713) 590-2327 |
| Community Action Corp of South Texas | South Texas | (361) 664-0145 (energy assistance: (361) 664-4769) |
| Dallas County DCHHS | Dallas County | (214) 819-1848 |
| Tarrant County Community Action | Fort Worth area | (817) 531-5620 |
| Project BRAVO | El Paso area | (915) 562-4100 |
| Combined Community Action | Austin / Travis County | (512) 392-1167 |
| Corpus Christi Metro Ministries | Corpus Christi area | (361) 887-0151 |
| Brazos Valley Community Action | Bryan/College Station | (979) 775-5863 |
Numbers change. If one doesn't pick up — or your area isn't listed — call 2-1-1. They keep the current list for every county.
When to Apply: The Funding Calendar
LIHEAP funding isn't available year-round in unlimited amounts. Here's how it works in Texas:
Biggest Funding Release
This is when most agencies open for the year. BakerRipley and other large agencies can process thousands of applications in the first few weeks. Apply early. Some agencies hit capacity within days.
First Wave May Be Exhausted
Some agencies run out. Others still have money. If one agency says they're out, call 211 and ask about neighboring agencies or Phase 2 funding.
Summer Crisis Funding
Texas gets additional LIHEAP dollars during extreme heat periods. This is when demand is highest because summer light bills can double or triple.
Leftover Funds
Some agencies re-open for a final round. Apply even if you think they're out of money. New allocations can appear.
Don't wait for a disconnect notice to apply.
If your income qualifies, apply now, even if your bill is current. Getting in the system early means you're positioned when funding drops.
What If You Get Denied?
Getting denied doesn't mean you're out of options.
"Funding exhausted"
Means the agency ran out of money, not that you don't qualify. Call back in 30-60 days. Ask when they expect the next funding release.
"Over income"
Might mean you included the wrong income. Only the last 30 days count at most agencies. If you had overtime pay last month but your normal check is lower, ask if you can reapply with a more typical month.
"Missing documentation"
The easiest fix. Get the missing paper and resubmit. Don't start a whole new application. Ask the agency to keep your file open.
"Already received assistance this year"
Means you hit the annual cap. But crisis assistance is often separate from regular assistance. If you got regular help earlier and now face disconnection, ask about crisis-specific funds.
You have the right to appeal. Every agency must give you a written denial with instructions on how to appeal. The appeal process varies by agency, but typically involves submitting additional documentation within 30 days.
Other Programs That Help With Light Bills in Texas
LIHEAP/CEAP is the biggest program, but it's not the only one.
Churches That Help With Light Bills
Many churches maintain benevolence funds specifically for utility help. You don't need to be a member. Call and ask: "Do you help with light bills?"
- -St. Vincent de Paul Society (through Catholic parishes): One of the largest church-based assistance networks in Texas.
- -Salvation Army: Has utility assistance programs in most Texas cities. Call (800) 725-2769.
- -Methodist churches: Many have "Good Samaritan" funds for utility emergencies.
- -Baptist churches: Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and local congregations often help.
- -Interfaith Ministries: In Houston, they serve all faiths with utility bill assistance.
Some churches can write a check to your light company within 24-48 hours. That's faster than any government program.
Nonprofit Organizations
- -Catholic Charities: Not just for Catholics. They serve everyone and have offices across Texas.
- -United Way: Coordinates funding from multiple sources and runs many of the local 2-1-1 call centers. Dial 211.
- -Habitat for Humanity: Primarily housing, but some chapters help with utility deposits.
- -Dollar Energy Fund: Works with specific light companies to provide credits on your bill.
Light Company Hardship Programs
| Company | Program | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| TXU Energy | TXU Energy Aid | Credits toward past-due balances |
| Reliant | CARE Program | Bill credits and payment plans |
| Direct Energy | Neighbor-to-Neighbor | Bill assistance funded by customer donations |
| Green Mountain | 2-1-1 / LIHEAP referral | No branded hardship fund — they point customers to CEAP agencies |
Call your light company and ask: "Do you have a hardship or assistance program?" Even companies not on this list may offer flexible payment plans during financial hardship.
City and County Programs
- -Houston: Houston Light Bill Assistance through BakerRipley and Neighborhood Centers
- -Dallas: Dallas Water Utilities has a Customer Assistance Program. For lights, contact DCHHS.
- -San Antonio: CPS Energy has its own assistance programs (since they're municipal)
- -Austin: Austin Energy runs the Plus 1 Fund for utility bill help
- -Fort Worth: Community Action Partners of Tarrant County
For a complete directory of every assistance program in Texas with phone numbers and application details, see our full financial assistance guide.
The Timeline Problem: When You Need Lights Today
Here's the honest truth about LIHEAP and other assistance programs: they take time. Crisis applications must be resolved within 48 hours under federal rules, but regular applications can take weeks — and you still have to get an appointment first.
If your lights are off right now, or getting cut off today, the assistance application won't help you tonight. You need a bridge solution.
If your lights are still on but you got a disconnect notice:
- 1.Call your light company immediately. Tell them you've applied for CEAP assistance. Many companies will place a temporary hold on disconnection while your application processes.
- 2.Ask about a deferred payment plan. Texas law requires light companies to offer payment arrangements before disconnecting service.
- 3.File your CEAP application today so the clock starts ticking.
If your lights already got cut off:
- 1.Apply for CEAP crisis assistance at your local Community Action Agency.
- 2.While that processes, you need a way to get power back today.
- 3.Pay-as-you-go lights don't require deposits, credit checks, or long waits. You can get lights on the same day for $40-$75 to start, and that money goes toward your usage. It's not a fee you lose.
Waiting weeks without lights isn't realistic. Getting on a prepaid plan for $40-$75 keeps your power on while the CEAP application processes. Once CEAP approves you, that money can go toward your light bill going forward, or you can use the assistance to transition to a cheaper traditional plan.
Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.
How to Get the Most From Your LIHEAP Application
Apply during crisis, not just hardship
If you have a disconnect notice, bring it. Crisis assistance has higher dollar limits and faster processing than regular assistance.
Apply to multiple programs
CEAP, church assistance, and light company hardship programs aren't mutually exclusive. You can receive help from all of them. One church might cover $200, CEAP covers $1,200, and your light company forgives $300 in late fees. Stack every resource.
Keep records
Save every application confirmation, every denial letter, every phone call date and name. If an agency says they're out of funds, write down who told you and when. Call back in 30 days with that information.
Ask about weatherization
The LIHEAP Weatherization program can pay for insulation, AC tune-ups, weather stripping, and other improvements that lower your bill long-term. If you own your home (or your landlord agrees), this can save you $20-$50 per month permanently.
Reapply every year
LIHEAP is an annual program. Even if you received help this year, you can apply again next year. Don't assume one-time help means you're cut off.
For more strategies on managing light bills during a financial crunch, check out our guide on emergency money options for prepaid lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can I get from LIHEAP in Texas?
Can I get LIHEAP help if I'm on prepaid lights?
How long does the LIHEAP application take?
Can I apply for LIHEAP online?
What if my income is just over the limit?
Can LIHEAP pay my deposit?
Is LIHEAP the same as CEAP in Texas?
Can I get LIHEAP if I rent?
Will applying for LIHEAP affect my immigration status?
Consumer Advocate
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Program details, income limits, and funding availability change. Contact your local community action agency or call 211 for the most current information. NoDepositLights.com is powered by Compare Power (PUCT License BR190020).
