AUSTIN, Texas — Texans in need of energy bill assistance can now apply for help through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)'s Texas Utility Help program.
The TDHCA is accepting applications starting Friday, Nov. 4, for homeowners and renters with utility payments for electricity, natural gas and propane plus that add up to $2,400.
You must meet certain criteria in order to qualify:
- Household income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
- At least occupant must be a U.S. citizen or Qualified Alien
“Extreme heat during the summer months hit people especially hard this year, which was evidenced by the overwhelming initial interest in this program. We are glad we can open up energy assistance again and help even more people,” said Bobby Wilkinson, executive director of the TDHCA. “While funds are limited, TDHCA is committed to helping as many households as possible gain a sense of stability and security for these basic needs.”
Due to a high demand in July, the program had to shut down its application portal within a week.
Those applying can also request assistance for water and wastewater bills that are past and current up to $600. The TDHCA said they will provide assistance to applicants who have been disconnected or at risk of disconnection.
Utility payments that are approved through the TDHCA will be issued directly to the utility company.
Through the Texas Utility Help program, the TDHCA said it has helped more than 7,400 households and payed more than $15 million in assistance to date. The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) helped fund the program.
If you would like more information about the program, you can call the call center at 855-566-2057, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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