Core Relief Texas (2025)

FAQs

Who is eligible for utility core relief in Texas? ›

Who is eligible for this program? To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Texas and must be at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Qualified homeowners and renters can get help with total past due utility payments for electricity, natural gas, and propane plus up to $2,400 in prospective payments.

About the Texas Utility Help Program

The program provides eligible households with financial payments made directly to the utility company on the household's behalf.

The program launched in February 2021 and closed in the summer of 2023. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs administered the program with Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) funds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The rules allow electric utilities to choose between two disconnection options during periods of extreme weather: if the forecasted temperature is above 95°F or below 32°F, or they can choose to continue utilizing the June 1 through October 15 disconnection moratorium period.

HHS offers cash assistance to Texans going through tough times. The Texas Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program offers cash to help pay bills, buy food, and help see your family through. TANF helps families pay for basic living needs.

Qualifying households can receive assistance with qualifying utility bills even if they are current on their bill. For electricity and gas, this assistance is a one-time lump sum advance payment to the utility for 100% of annual usage up to the household maximum of $2,400.

You will need to provide documents that verify eligibility to receive federal benefits for all household members, regardless of age. This could include a U.S. passport, U.S. Birth Certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, or Permanent Resident card.

In order to apply for CEAP assistance, you will have to contact a participating community action agency. Texas has multiple agencies throughout the state that qualify residents and distribute funds. You can dial (877) 399-8939 or 211 or visit 211Texas to reach a community agency in your area.

What is the Texas HAF program? ›

Texas Homeowner Assistance provides financial assistance to qualified Texas homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage, utility payments, and related expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Are you behind on rent or need help paying your utility bills? The Texas Rent Relief Program can help. The Texas Rent Relif Program has emergency funds available to help Texas renters pay current and past due rent and utility bills.

The IRS has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in Texas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on April 26, 2024. The affected taxpayers now have until November 1, 2024, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

According to Texas law, rent on the rental unit becomes late if it isn't paid within 2 full days once it's due. When rent is late, you must give the tenant the 3-Day Notice to Quit to kick start the eviction process.

While the eviction moratorium in the CARES Act has expired, it's possible that the requirement for the extra 30-day notice to vacate in addition to the notice required by Texas law is still in effect.

Households must have incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income and meet other eligibility requirements. For full details, visit the TexasRentRelief website. For Information, Call Toll-Free or Email: 1-833-9TX-RENT.

In order to apply for CEAP assistance, you will have to contact a participating community action agency. Texas has multiple agencies throughout the state that qualify residents and distribute funds. You can dial (877) 399-8939 or 211 or visit 211Texas to reach a community agency in your area.