Benefits · Emergency Aid

How to apply for Travis County Health and Human Services — CEAP (Texas LIHEAP) + Utility Assistance

Travis County Health and Human Services and Veterans Service (HHS) — a department of the Travis County Commissioners Court; the direct TDHCA Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) subrecipient for Travis County; supplements the broader TDHCA CEAP statewide framework (see tx.ceap)

Who it's for

Travis County Health and Human Services and Veterans Service (HHS) is the direct TDHCA-contracted Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) subrecipient for Travis County — a BoCC department delivery model parallel to Dallas's DCHHS and Bexar's BCECD. Travis County HHS operates a DISTRIBUTED intake model through SIX Community Centers across Travis County (more decentralized than peer counties' single-office intake), making the program more geographically accessible. CEAP provides utility bill assistance, deposit assistance, and energy crisis assistance to low-income Travis County households. Eligibility is set at 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines ($23,475/year single 2026). Senior-headed households receive application priority. Travis County HHS also offers AUTOMATIC LIHEAP QUALIFICATION for households already enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or SSI — bypassing the standalone income verification step. The program is YEAR-ROUND (12 months) rather than seasonal. Apply through the Travis County HHS application portal at traviscountytx.gov/health-human-services/apply-for-assistance/utility-assistance — the pre-screening tool confirms eligibility before directing applicants to the full application. Alternatively, visit any of the six Travis County Community Centers (locations including the Manor Community Center, Pflugerville Community Center, Del Valle Community Center, and others) where staff can assist with the application in person.

Travis County HHS CEAP is DISTINCTIVE among modeled TX counties in two ways: (1) DISTRIBUTED INTAKE via 6 Community Centers across Travis County (vs single-office models at Harris/Dallas/Bexar); (2) AUTOMATIC LIHEAP CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY for SNAP/TANF/SSI recipients — bypassing the standalone income verification. The year-round (12-month) program structure means applications are accepted throughout the year, not just during designated seasonal windows. The 150% FPL income gate is the TDHCA-statewide standard. Austin Energy (the city's municipally-owned utility) serves most Travis County residents; Pedernales Electric Cooperative serves rural/suburban areas. For Travis County seniors who don't qualify for CEAP, Travis County HHS Basic Needs (separate program at the same 6 Community Centers) provides additional emergency aid.

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) — OR proof of SNAP/TANF/SSI enrollment for categorical eligibility
Current energy bill (Austin Energy, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, or your retail electric provider) and any past-due notices
Photo identification for the head of household
Proof of Travis County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
Documentation of household members and ages (especially seniors, disabled, children under 6 for priority)
Social Security numbers for all household members
For crisis assistance: shutoff notice OR documentation of energy crisis

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 512-854-4100

Renewals

year-round (12-month) program with multiple benefits per program year

Official source →Last verified · June 6, 2026

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