How to apply for BakerRipley CEAP (Harris County LIHEAP Subrecipient) in Texas

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 ($23,940/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.

People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.

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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

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about BakerRipley CEAP (Harris County LIHEAP Subrecipient). 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 (CenterPoint Energy or your retail electric provider) and any past-due notices, photo identification — 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.

Renewals

up to multiple benefits per program year (regular + summer crisis + winter crisis)

Official source →Last verified · October 10, 2026

Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.

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