Benefits · Emergency Aid

How to apply for Harris County Emergency Utility Assistance Program

Harris County Community Services Department (CSD) — a department of the Harris County Commissioners Court; administers Emergency Utility Assistance for Harris County households facing imminent utility service disconnection

Who it's for

The Harris County Emergency Utility Assistance Program is a Harris County Community Services Department (CSD) program that helps Harris County households facing imminent utility service disconnection. Unlike the broader CEAP/LIHEAP framework (delivered statewide via TDHCA subrecipients like BakerRipley — see tx.harris.harris_county_ceap_subrecipient), Harris County Emergency Utility Assistance is a SHORT-TERM CRISIS program for households with a utility bill from the last 30 days AND a disconnect notice. This fills the role that EHEAP plays in Florida — a senior-priority emergency-utility safety net distinct from the regular LIHEAP regular benefit. The program is appropriations-limited and operates on a first-come-first-served basis. Texas does NOT have a formal state EHEAP program (the way Florida's DOEA does), so Harris County's emergency utility program plus the CEAP crisis component together form the Texas equivalent. To apply, call Harris County Community Services Department at 713-578-2100 or email csd@csd.hctx.net. The program is one component of a broader Harris County emergency aid safety net that also includes rent assistance and emergency casework.

Harris County Emergency Utility Assistance is genuinely emergency-only — applicants MUST document an imminent service disconnection within the last 30 days. Routine bill assistance should go through CEAP via BakerRipley (tx.harris.harris_county_ceap_subrecipient) instead. The program is appropriations-limited — Harris County Commissioners Court sets the annual funding level, and funds can exhaust mid-fiscal-year. Apply EARLY in each fiscal year. The 200% FPL income gate is conservative modeling — Harris County's actual policy may use 150% FPL (tighter, aligning with CEAP) or a sliding scale. Senior-headed households receive priority. For Texas seniors needing a more reliable, less appropriation-dependent utility safety net, the CEAP crisis benefit (April-September summer crisis, October-March winter crisis) through BakerRipley is the primary pathway.

What you'll need

Recent utility bill (CenterPoint Energy or retail electric provider) from the last 30 days
Utility disconnect notice OR documentation of imminent service disconnection
Proof of all household income for the prior 30-60 days (Social Security award letter, pension statement, pay stubs, SSI award letter)
Photo identification for the head of household
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)

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 713-578-2100

Renewals

appropriations-limited; benefit availability varies by fiscal year

Official source →Last verified · June 6, 2026

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.