◢ Texas · Utility Assistance · 2025-2026 Season
Texas's energy assistance program is called Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Below: the current income table, benefit amounts, apply link, and hotline.
Season
Year-round application window.
Benefit range
Combined heating and cooling annual maximum of $12,600 per household under Texas's 2026 CEAP state plan.
Income standard
150% of Federal Poverty Level.
◢ Income eligibility
Gross income for the calendar month before you apply. If your household is at or below the limit, you qualify.
| Household size | Max monthly gross | Max annual gross |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,995 | $23,940 |
| 2 people | $2,705 | $32,460 |
| 3 people | $3,415 | $40,980 |
| 4 people | $4,125 | $49,500 |
| 5 people | $4,835 | $58,020 |
| 6 people | $5,545 | $66,540 |
| 7 people | $6,255 | $75,060 |
| 8 people | $6,965 | $83,580 |
| 9 people | $7,675 | $92,100 |
| 10 people | $8,385 | $100,620 |
Source: Texas state agency. Verified 2026-08-23. Some households above these limits may still qualify for crisis benefits.
◢ How much you can get
Combined heating and cooling annual maximum of $12,600 per household under Texas's 2026 CEAP state plan. Actual payment depends on energy burden, household size, and Local Administering Agency (LAA) allocation. Texas received $181.2 million in federal LIHEAP funds for FY 2026.
◢ Beyond the regular grant
Crisis component pays vendors within 48 hours of a verified shutoff notice or empty tank. TDHCA delivers CEAP through 34 Local Administering Agencies (LAAs) covering all 254 Texas counties. Contact your LAA, not TDHCA directly, to apply.
Cooling is treated with the same urgency as heating in Texas: the 2026 state plan allows up to $12,600 for combined heating and cooling assistance. Priority is given to households with elderly members, young children, or documented medical needs during summer heat advisories.
◢ How to apply
Texas accepts Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) applications through multiple channels. Pick the one that fits your situation. Regular benefits are first-come, first-served, so apply as soon as the season opens.
Contact your Local Administering Agency directly (find yours at tdhca.texas.gov/help-texans-referrals)
Call TDHCA's Help for Texans hotline at 1-877-399-8939 for LAA referral
Apply through Your Texas Benefits portal at yourtexasbenefits.com (also used for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid)
Dial 2-1-1 Texas for statewide LIHEAP referral (United Way)
◢ What to bring
Every Texas household filing for Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) needs the same core paperwork. Gather these first so the caseworker can process the application on the first visit.
Driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate for every adult in the household.
Pay stubs, Social Security award letter, SSI/SSDI statement, unemployment benefit letter, or a signed self-employment statement.
Lease, mortgage statement, or a recent utility bill in your name at your current address.
Most recent bill from your primary heating source, plus SSNs for everyone in the household.
◢ Local offices
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is processed at the county level in Texas. Emergency benefits, in-person applications, and case questions all go through your county's Department of Social Services or equivalent office.
Local office
713-590-2327
Local office
214-871-5065
Local office
817-258-8081
Local office
210-362-5202
Local office
512-854-4980
◢ If your application is denied
Denial is not the end. Federal rule requires every Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) denial notice to name the specific reason and give you an appeals path. Work through this order.
Look for the specific reason (income over limit, missing document, wrong heating source on file). Most denials are documentation issues, not eligibility.
In Texas, you generally have 60 days from the notice date to request a fair hearing. Do it in writing and keep the confirmation.
If the denial was for a missing document, you can typically reapply the same day with the corrected paperwork. No 30-day wait for documentation fixes.
If shutoff is imminent while you appeal, 211 routes to Texas community action agencies, faith-based emergency funds, and utility hardship programs that fill the gap.
◢ Official resources
Bookmark these. Every eligibility rule, dollar amount, and season date on this page traces back to one of these primary sources.
TDHCA: CEAP Program Guidance
www.tdhca.texas.gov/comprehensive-energy-assistance-program-ceap-program-guidance
TDHCA: Help for Texans (find your local energy provider)
www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-texans-referrals
LIHEAP Clearinghouse: Texas State Profile
liheapch.acf.gov/profiles/Texas.htm
Your Texas Benefits (multi-program portal)
www.yourtexasbenefits.com/
◢ Texas utility questions
Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) uses 150% of Federal Poverty Level. Verified against TDHCA 2026 CEAP program guidance and 2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines. A one-person household must earn under $1,995 per month, with limits scaling by household size. The full table is above.
Combined heating and cooling annual maximum of $12,600 per household under Texas's 2026 CEAP state plan. Actual payment depends on energy burden, household size, and Local Administering Agency (LAA) allocation. Texas received $181.2 million in federal LIHEAP funds for FY 2026.
Year-round application window. Cooling assistance runs April through October and is critical during Texas summer heat waves; heating assistance runs November through March.
Crisis component pays vendors within 48 hours of a verified shutoff notice or empty tank. TDHCA delivers CEAP through 34 Local Administering Agencies (LAAs) covering all 254 Texas counties. Contact your LAA, not TDHCA directly, to apply.
Cooling is treated with the same urgency as heating in Texas: the 2026 state plan allows up to $12,600 for combined heating and cooling assistance. Priority is given to households with elderly members, young children, or documented medical needs during summer heat advisories.
Most states require: proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters, SSI/SSDI award), a recent utility bill or lease, and Social Security numbers for everyone in the household. Bring citizenship or eligible-immigration documents if requested.
Editorial disclaimer
GrantsHubUSA is an independent editorial blog. We do not administer Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) or process applications. Always confirm current eligibility, deadlines, and contact details with the Texas state agency before applying. See our full disclaimer.
