Benefits · Emergency Aid
How to apply for Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) — CEAP for Cameron County
Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) — 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Action Agency; the direct TDHCA Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) subrecipient for Cameron and 14 other South Texas counties (Aransas, Brooks, Duval, Jim Hogg, Nueces, Starr, Willacy, Bee, Hidalgo, Jim Wells, Kleberg, San Patricio, Webb, Zapata)
Who it's for
Cameron County's CEAP (Texas LIHEAP) is delivered through Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Action Agency covering Cameron plus 14 other South Texas counties from a single regional infrastructure. CACOST provides utility bill payment assistance (gas, electric, propane), crisis intervention for shutoffs and severe-weather emergencies, and energy education. Eligibility is set at 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines ($23,475/year single 2026). Senior-headed households receive application priority. South Texas's hot summer climate makes COOLING-CRISIS assistance especially relevant for Cameron seniors. Apply through CACOST at cacost.org or by calling the CACOST regional office. AEP Texas and Magic Valley Electric Cooperative are the primary electric providers in Cameron County; Texas Gas Service is the primary natural gas utility. Senior-pathway intake can also be coordinated through Cameron and Willacy Counties Community Projects, Inc. — a separate nonprofit that focuses on utility assistance specifically in the Cameron-Willacy area at 956-544-6411.
CACOST covers 15 South Texas counties from one nonprofit operation — Cameron CEAP applicants apply through the same CACOST process as Hidalgo, Willacy, and 12 other South Texas counties. The Cameron and Willacy Counties Community Projects, Inc. nonprofit (956-544-6411) is an additional senior-focused utility assistance pathway specific to Cameron + Willacy. The 150% FPL income gate is the TDHCA-statewide standard.
What you'll need
- Proof of all household income for the prior 30-90 days
- Current energy bill (AEP Texas, Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, or retail electric provider) and any past-due notices
- Photo identification
- Proof of Cameron County residency
- Documentation of household members and ages
- U.S. Citizenship OR eligible non-citizen documentation
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- For crisis assistance: shutoff notice
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 956-544-6411
Renewals
up to multiple benefits per program year
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.