LIHEAP in Texas
LIHEAP is available to qualified low-income residents throughout the state of Texas. The program is funded solely by the federal government with the funds dispersed to state level governments. Texas LIHEAP then allocates funds to the Department of Housing and Consumer Affairs as well as local utility companies. The funds allocated from LIHEAP in Texas assisted 23,863 residents with their heating expenses and 125,846 residents with their cooling expenses in 2010.
The utility companies that assist with Texas LIHEAP payments include:
- Atmos Energy
- Austin Energy
- Central Power and Light
- Central Texas Electric Co-op
- CPS Energy
- Denton Municipal
- El Paso Electric
- Entergy
- First Choice Power
- Lubbock Power and Light
- New Braunfels Utilities
- Reliant
- Sam Houston Electric Co-op
- San Bernard Electric Co-op
- South Plains Electric Co-op
- Southwest Public Service
- Southwestern Electric Power
- TXU Energy
- Texas-New Mexico Power
- United Cooperative Services
- West Texas Utilities
Texas LIHEAP Assistance
Residents, individuals and families can contact the Texas Department of Housing and Consumer Affairs or Texas Community Action Agencies in order to apply for Texas LIHEAP assistance. Although funding is available throughout the year, individuals and families should apply as early as possible in order to secure funding. A requirement of Texas LIHEAP includes applying and submitting an application with the required information. Failure to provide the appropriate information could void the application and cause delays. If your application is accepted, you can expect to receive approximately $1,200 in heating and/of cooling assistance.
In the event you do not qualify for the maximum amount issued by LIHEAP in Texas, you can contact your utility provider for additional funding. Aside from heating and cooling assistance, utility company offer weatherization tips to reduce energy costs as well as discounted energy rates.
LIHEAP Application & How to Apply
LIHEAP in Texas accepts applications throughout the year for crisis assistance as well as heating assistance. Cooling assistance is only available between March and November. With no set date to turn in applications, Texas LIHEAP provides funding throughout the year, except in the case of cooling expenses.
Individuals and families are provided several ways to apply for Texas LIHEAP assistance. You can contact the Texas Department of Housing and Consumer Affairs or your local supporting utility company. If you have questions or concerns regarding your application, status of your application or approval of your Texas LIHEAP application, contact the Texas Administering Office at 1-877-399-8939.
LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?
Eligibility for LIHEAP in Texas is based upon income guidelines set by the federal government. In order to qualify for Texas LIHEAP assistance, individuals and families must meet or be below the 125% of poverty threshold. As of 2011, the poverty guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were:
| Family Size | 125% of Poverty |
| 1 | $13,613 |
| 2 | $18,388 |
| 3 | $23,163 |
| 4 | $27,938 |
| 5 | $32,713 |
| 6 | $37,488 |
| 7 | $42,263 |
| 8 | $47,038 |
In the event you household consists of more than eight members, you will need to add an additional $4,775 for each member of the household at the current 125% of poverty level.
If you or your household falls within the established federal income guidelines, you should contact your utility provider or the Texas Department of Housing and Consumer Affairs regarding LIHEAP in Texas.
