CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program)
Last updated August 2026
CEAP is Texas's utility bill program, and it is bigger than people expect. It can pay $1,200 to $1,800 toward regular bills, the same again in a crisis, and up to $9,000 to fix or replace a dead AC or furnace. You apply through the local agency for your county. Find it on tdhca.texas.gov: Help for Texans, then Utility Bill Payment Help.
The income limit: $23,940 a year for one person, $49,500 for a family of four. Homes with someone 60 or older, a disability, or young children move to the front. They can also get payments every month left in the year; other homes get up to 6 months.
One wrinkle about shut-offs. A disconnect notice alone is not enough for crisis help. There must also be a crisis, like extreme weather, a disaster, or a health threat. So say everything true about your household when you call. The age, disability, and young-children rules do real work here.
Renters qualify, even when the bill runs through the landlord. The agency pays the landlord directly, and that amount must come off your rent. Disability can be self-declared on the form; agencies are told not to demand doctor's notes.
Benefits reset every January 1, and funds run out. Apply early in the year, and ask the agency where its funding stands. Denied? You are owed a fair hearing; start with the agency that said no. And ask about free home energy repairs while you are there. The same office often runs that program too.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income-based; your local CEAP agency screens you and makes the decision
- Serves renters and homeowners in every Texas county
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Find your county's agency: tdhca.texas.gov, Help for Texans, category Utility Bill Payment Help.
- 2
Call and ask two things: is funding available now, and what documents do they want.
- 3
Facing disconnection, an empty propane tank, or a prepaid balance under $30? Say so, plus any weather or health emergency. Both parts matter for crisis help.
- 4
Name everyone in the home who is 60+, disabled, or under 6. Priority households get unlimited monthly payments within the caps.
- 5
Bring 30 days of income proof and ID for household members. Disability can be self-certified on the form.
- 6
Rent with utilities in the landlord's name? Apply anyway; the agency pays the landlord and the amount comes off your rent.
- 7
Denied? Ask that agency for the fair-hearing process, and reapply after 30 days if funds were the issue. Benefits reset each January 1.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What is the income limit for CEAP?
150 percent of the poverty line: $23,940 a year for one person, $49,500 for a family of four, effective January 2026. The local agency runs your exact numbers.
How much can CEAP pay?
For 2026, up to $1,800 each for regular utility help and crisis help at the lowest incomes ($1,200-$1,500 at higher tiers), plus up to $9,000 for repairing or replacing a heating or cooling unit.
My electricity is about to be shut off. Does CEAP help?
Yes, through crisis assistance, but a disconnect notice alone is not enough; there must also be a crisis condition like extreme weather or a health threat. Tell the agency everything that applies, and mention anyone elderly, disabled, or under 6.
Do renters qualify for CEAP?
Yes, even when the utility is billed through the landlord. The agency pays the landlord directly under an agreement, and that amount must be deducted from your rent.
How many payments can I get?
Households with someone elderly, disabled, or under 6 can get payments for every remaining month of the year, within the dollar caps. Other households get up to 6 months. Everything resets January 1.
Where do I apply for CEAP?
At the local community action agency serving your county, never TDHCA directly. The Help for Texans page on tdhca.texas.gov lists the agency for every one of the 254 counties.
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