How to apply for Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) — LIHEAP

Who it's for

Texas's implementation of the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) through a statewide network of subrecipient agencies — Community Action Agencies, non-profits, and County BoCC departments — that collectively cover all 254 Texas counties. CEAP provides utility bill assistance, deposits, and energy crisis intervention (both summer cooling crisis and winter heating crisis) for low-income households. Eligibility is calculated at 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines — for 2026 that is $23,940/year for a single household and $45,600/year for a family of four. Senior-headed households receive application priority. To find the local subrecipient serving a specific Texas county, call TDHCA at 800-525-0657 or visit the TDHCA CEAP page. Each subrecipient has its own application window, document checklist, and operating hours; some operate appointment-only systems with limited weekly intake slots.

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 and any past-due notices
• Photo identification for the head of household
• Proof of Texas 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 (summer/winter)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) — LIHEAP. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may 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 and any past-due notices, photo identification for the head of household — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Call TDHCA at 800-525-0657 or visit the TDHCA CEAP page online to find the local subrecipient agency serving your Texas county — this may be a Community Action Agency, a non-profit, or a county department.
2. Contact your local subrecipient agency as early as possible in the application window to ask about intake slots, appointment requirements, and their specific document checklist — funds are limited and often run out mid-year.
3. Gather proof of all household income for the prior 30 to 90 days, such as a Social Security award letter, SSI award letter, pension statement, or pay stubs.
4. Collect your current energy bill and any past-due or shutoff notices, plus a photo ID for the head of household and proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill, lease, or government letter.
5. Gather documentation of all household members and their ages — especially seniors, people with disabilities, and children under 6, as these households receive application priority.
6. If applying for crisis assistance (summer cooling or winter heating), include a shutoff notice or other documentation showing the energy crisis.
7. Submit your complete application through your local subrecipient agency by phone, online through the TDHCA CEAP portal, or in person as directed by your local agency.

What to expect: After submitting, your local subrecipient agency will review your application and documents. Processing times vary by agency and time of year, so ask your local subrecipient for an estimate when you apply. If approved, assistance may be applied toward your utility bill, a deposit, or an energy crisis need depending on your situation. CEAP benefits can be available more than once per program year — eligible households may receive regular assistance plus separate summer cooling crisis help (typically April through September) and winter heating crisis help (typically October through March). Because funds are limited and first-come-first-served, apply as early as possible at the start of each application window and check back with your local agency for any additional benefit opportunities throughout the year.

Renewals

up to multiple benefits per program year depending on the local subrecipient (regular + summer crisis + winter crisis)