Texas extends financial aid programs for utility expenses

Dallas, Texas - In response to the financial challenges faced by lower-income households in covering essential utility costs, the State of Texas has chosen to extend the application period for two pivotal financial aid programs until December 29th of this year.

Previously set to terminate on September 30th, the Low-Income Housing Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are both designed to offer monetary support to qualifying Texas homeowners and renters. This aid primarily covers utility expenses, encompassing services like electricity, gas, water, and wastewater management.

For beneficiaries of these programs, potential advantages include the prevention of service interruption, support for reconnection, and aid in managing both present and upcoming utility bills. Interested individuals can access the program application on texasutilityhelp.com or get more information through the toll-free number at 855-566-2057. Dallas County residents specifically can direct their inquiries to 214-819-1848.

The decision to prolong these programs came in the wake of a collaborative effort that began in July 2022. This cooperation, involving Dallas Water Utilities (DWU), the State of Texas, and Dallas County, enabled the reception of assistance application forms designed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).

To put into perspective the impact of this program since its launch, DWU has noted that it has facilitated financial assistance for over 2,900 customers. With the application processing ongoing, DWU is advising residents to consider setting up payment arrangements. This proactive step is to safeguard against accumulating late charges or potential interruption of water services.

For residents curious about payment arrangements or desiring detailed information about these assistance initiatives, it's recommended to contact the DWU Customer Service at 214-651-1441. The department remains operational and ready to address inquiries from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Credit: Dallas Metro News