Core Relief Texas (2024)

FAQs

Who is eligible for utility core relief in Texas? ›

Who is eligible for this program? To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Texas and must be at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Qualified homeowners and renters can get help with total past due utility payments for electricity, natural gas, and propane plus up to $2,400 in prospective payments.

About the Texas Utility Help Program

The program provides eligible households with financial payments made directly to the utility company on the household's behalf.

Through Texas Utility Help, homeowners and renters can pay off total past due utility bills for electricity, natural gas, propane, water, and wastewater, plus get up to $2,400 in prospective payments. All approved payments are issued directly to the utility company on the applicant's behalf.

The rules allow electric utilities to choose between two disconnection options during periods of extreme weather: if the forecasted temperature is above 95°F or below 32°F, or they can choose to continue utilizing the June 1 through October 15 disconnection moratorium period.

HHS offers cash assistance to Texans going through tough times. The Texas Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program offers cash to help pay bills, buy food, and help see your family through. TANF helps families pay for basic living needs.

Qualifying households can receive assistance with qualifying utility bills even if they are current on their bill. For electricity and gas, this assistance is a one-time lump sum advance payment to the utility for 100% of annual usage up to the household maximum of $2,400.

LITE-UP Texas provides electric bill discounts in the hottest months of the year: May-September. The household must be below 125% FPL to qualify.

Does Texas rent relief pay utilities? ›

By providing rent and utility assistance, Texas Rent Relief helped low- and moderate-income Texas renters remain stably housed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over $2.2 billion in rent and utility assistance paid to help more than 323,000 Texas households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic keep their housing.

Texas Homeowner Assistance provides financial assistance to qualified Texas homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage, utility payments, and related expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Energy choice in Texas means you have the freedom to choose your electricity provider. You're not limited to the local electric utility. If you live in an area of Texas with deregulated energy, you can choose the electricity provider that best suits your needs.

Many churches recognize the importance of supporting their communities in financial struggles. They often allocate funds or collaborate with organizations to assist individuals and families with utility bills.

These programs involve the installation of energy efficiency measures such as insulation, high efficiency lighting, photovoltaic systems, and more. In addition, the utilities also offer programs directed specifically at cities and schools to help local governments reduce operating costs and save energy.

Households must have incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income and meet other eligibility requirements. For full details, visit the TexasRentRelief website. For Information, Call Toll-Free or Email: 1-833-9TX-RENT.

You can dial (877) 399-8939 or 211 or visit 211Texas to reach a community agency in your area. To apply, please locate your service area and reach out to the local agency.