Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

Quick Facts

• Program purpose: Assists low-income households with electric, gas, propane, and other energy costs, preventing shutoffs and providing education on energy conservation.
• Administered by: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) through a network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and local nonprofit providers.
• Core services: Utility payment assistance, crisis intervention, co-payment assistance for vulnerable households, and energy education.
• Funding source: Primarily the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) supplemented with state funds.
• Geographic coverage: Available in all 254 Texas counties; each county is served by a designated CAA or partner agency.

Program Overview

Texas experiences extreme heat in summer and occasional winter freezes, creating volatile energy bills. The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program addresses these fluctuations by offering tailored aid. CEAP provides payment assistance to reduce current bills, crisis assistance to resolve disconnections or fuel shortages, and education to help families manage ongoing energy use. Local providers customize services based on community needs, so understanding your agency’s policies is vital.

CEAP assistance is not a loan. Payments go directly to utility vendors or fuel suppliers. Households typically receive a commitment letter or pledge sent to the utility; you may still need to make co-payments. Because demand peaks during extreme weather, apply early and maintain communication with your agency.

Eligibility Requirements

Income and Household Composition

• Income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Providers consider gross income for the 30 days preceding application.
• All household members count, including those temporarily away (college students, deployed military). Provide Social Security numbers or ITINs and proof of relationship to the head of household.

Residency and Responsibility

• Applicants must live in Texas and be responsible for paying energy bills for their residence. Renters qualify if utilities are in their name or included in rent exceeding 30% of income.

Vulnerability Priority

• CEAP prioritizes households with vulnerable members: seniors age 60+, individuals with disabilities, children under six, or medically fragile individuals. Provide documentation such as disability letters or birth certificates.

Program Components

Utility Assistance (Regular Component)

• Provides payments to reduce current energy bills. Agencies create a Household Assessment and Service Plan (HASP) outlining payments over 12 months.
• Assistance can cover electric, gas, propane, or other fuel sources. Typical annual maximum is $1,600, but amounts vary by agency and funding availability.

Crisis Assistance

• Supports households facing imminent disconnection, already disconnected service, or delivery fuel shortages. Agencies can issue same-day pledges to utilities or authorize emergency fuel deliveries.
• During extreme weather events (heat waves, winter storms), TDHCA may authorize additional crisis funding and relax documentation requirements for expedited help.

Co-Pay and Security Deposit Assistance

• For households in payment plans or establishing new service, CEAP can help with required deposits or co-payments to maintain service.

Energy Education

• Agencies provide workshops or one-on-one coaching covering thermostat management, weatherization basics, and budgeting. Participation may be required to continue receiving assistance.

Application Process

1. Identify your local provider: Use the TDHCA service area map or call 877-399-8939 to find your CAA.
2. Gather documents: Government-issued IDs, Social Security cards/ITINs, proof of residency (lease, utility bill), income proof for the past 30 days, and current utility bills or disconnect notices.
3. Contact the agency: Schedule an appointment or submit an online application if available. Some agencies accept walk-ins; others operate waitlists during peak seasons.
4. Complete intake: Caseworkers conduct an interview, verify documents, and develop the HASP. Be prepared to discuss household energy usage and conservation strategies.
5. Sign agreements: Review and sign consent forms, release of information, and energy education commitments.
6. Await vendor pledges: Agencies send payments or pledges directly to utilities. Confirm with your utility that the pledge was received and adjust your payments accordingly.
7. Follow-up: Attend required education sessions, provide additional documents if requested, and notify the agency of any changes in household size or income.

Strategies for Maximizing Assistance

1. Apply before crises: Enroll with CEAP during moderate seasons to set up a HASP before extreme heat or cold hits.
2. Document medical needs: Provide doctor’s letters if a household member relies on medical equipment requiring electricity; this can expedite crisis assistance.
3. Use budget billing: Ask utilities for average billing to prevent spikes. CEAP payments can then cover predictable amounts.
4. Combine with weatherization: Request referrals to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) or TDHCA’s Home Energy Assistance Program for long-term efficiency improvements.
5. Communicate regularly: Keep in contact with your caseworker, especially if bills increase or income changes. Agencies can adjust assistance mid-year.
6. Attend education sessions: These workshops often include free energy-saving kits and tips to reduce consumption.

Common Pitfalls

• Incomplete documentation: Missing IDs, Social Security numbers, or income proof delays assistance. Double-check requirements before appointments.
• Not following up with utilities: Confirm that payments posted. If the utility does not receive the pledge, contact your CAA immediately.
• Ignoring co-pay obligations: CEAP may require partial payments from the household. Failure to pay your share can jeopardize ongoing assistance.
• Missing education requirements: Skipping required classes can suspend benefits until you reschedule.
• Waiting until service is disconnected: Crisis funds are limited. Apply when you receive a disconnect notice, not after service ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CEAP help with propane or firewood? Yes. Provide recent invoices and supplier contact information. Agencies issue vendor authorizations for deliverable fuels.

Does CEAP cover water bills? No. CEAP focuses on energy costs. However, some CAAs administer separate water assistance programs—ask your caseworker.

Can undocumented household members receive assistance? CEAP requires proof of lawful presence for the applicant. Mixed-status households may qualify if the head of household has eligible documentation and the household meets income guidelines.

How often can I receive CEAP assistance? Typically once per program year per component. However, agencies can provide additional crisis aid during declared disasters or extreme weather.

Will CEAP pay my entire bill? Not always. Expect to contribute toward the balance. CEAP aims to reduce bills to an affordable level, not cover 100% of costs.

Additional Resources

• TDHCA CEAP Program Page
• TDHCA Help Line: 877-399-8939 (option 2) for provider referrals.
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Request referrals for insulation and HVAC upgrades.
• 2-1-1 Texas: Connects residents to complementary services like food assistance, rent relief, and disaster aid.
• Oncor and CenterPoint customer programs: Many utilities offer efficiency rebates that complement CEAP education.

By connecting with CEAP, Texas households can stabilize their energy budgets, avoid dangerous disconnections, and build long-term strategies to reduce consumption. Early engagement, thorough documentation, and consistent follow-through with your local agency ensure the program delivers maximum relief.