Benefits · Emergency Aid
How to apply for BakerRipley CEAP (Harris County LIHEAP Subrecipient)
BakerRipley — Houston-headquartered non-profit (one of the nation's largest charitable organizations); the primary TDHCA Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) subrecipient serving Harris County; supplements the broader TDHCA CEAP statewide framework (see tx.ceap)
Who it's for
BakerRipley is one of the nation's largest charitable organizations and serves as the principal TDHCA-contracted Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) subrecipient for Harris County, delivering utility bill assistance, deposit assistance, and energy crisis assistance to low-income Harris County households. The Texas LIHEAP-equivalent CEAP program (see state-level tx.ceap) is administered statewide through a network of subrecipients — BakerRipley is the lead subrecipient for Harris County, supplemented by Catholic Charities and Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA). Eligibility for CEAP is set at 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines ($23,475/year single 2026). Senior-headed households receive application priority. Texas summer climate makes COOLING-CRISIS assistance especially relevant for Harris County seniors — heat-related illness is a documented mortality risk. Apply through BakerRipley by calling 713-273-3700 or by visiting unitedwayhouston.org/ceap (the United Way Greater Houston portal coordinates with BakerRipley). Funds typically exhaust mid-fiscal-year — apply EARLY in each application window (April-September for summer cooling, October-March for winter heating).
BakerRipley is the LEAD CEAP subrecipient for Harris County but multiple subrecipients serve the county — applicants may also work with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA), or other contracted agencies. The United Way Greater Houston CEAP portal (unitedwayhouston.org/ceap) provides one centralized intake. Texas's summer heat is the dominant climate risk for Harris County seniors — apply EARLY in the summer cooling window (April-September) for the strongest chance of award before funds exhaust. The 150% FPL income gate is the statewide standard. Households between 150% FPL and 200% FPL may not qualify for CEAP but may qualify for utility company payment plans or other emergency assistance through Harris County Community Services Department.
What you'll need
- Proof of all household income for the prior 30-90 days (Social Security award letter, pension statement, pay stubs, SSI award letter)
- Current energy bill (CenterPoint Energy or your retail electric provider) and any past-due notices
- Photo identification
- Proof of Harris County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
- Documentation of household members and ages (especially seniors, disabled, children under 6 for priority)
- For crisis assistance: shutoff notice OR documentation of energy crisis
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 713-273-3700
Renewals
up to multiple benefits per program year (regular + summer crisis + winter crisis)
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.