Texas Utility Help: Financial relief program for Texans

Dallas - In the face of rising temperatures across Texas, leading to escalating reliance on air conditioning and a subsequent spike in energy costs, the Texas Utility Help program shines as a lifeline for lower-income households.

Currently accepting applications, the program extends financial support for eligible expenses such as electricity, gas, propane, water, and wastewater bills. Applications can be submitted digitally via texasutilityhelp.com. Furthermore, recognizing the digital divide, the program allows for representative submissions to assist those without internet or computer access.

The program caters to homeowners and tenants alike, providing direct grants that relieve recipients of repayment burdens. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs oversees the administration of this federal aid initiative.

Eligibility hinges on income levels. Households must have a maximum annual income of $21,870 for single-person homes and $45,000 for families of four, measured against 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. This is calculated using the total gross income of all household members prior to deductions.

Additionally, at least one member of each applying household must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien, a term that applies to individuals with permanent residency in the United States and other specified groups.

Financial assistance from the program can clear outstanding balances in full, but having overdue bills is not a prerequisite for qualification. It also provides for a single prepayment up to $2,400 to utility companies.

For inquiries or aid, contact the Texas Utility Help program at their toll-free number 855-566-2057, available Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with support offered in multiple languages.

Funding for the program comes from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program. Additionally, this year, the TDHCA directed an extra $48 million from the Federal Infrastructure and Jobs Investment Act to the Texas Utility Help program, empowering Texans to better navigate their energy expenses.

There are other options for those seeking assistance with utility bills. The TDHCA hosts an online tool to guide Texans towards support, and offers checks for local aid. Plus, the Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund provides financial help to eligible homeowners facing utility, mortgage, and other pandemic-related debts. Applications for this scheme can be submitted online at texashomeownerassistance.com.

Content credit: Dallas Metro News, Texas Utility Help, Times Record News