How to apply for Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) — CEAP (Jim Wells County)

Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) — 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Action Agency in Alice; the TDHCA Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) subrecipient for Bee, Brooks, Cameron, Duval, Jim Wells, San Patricio and Willacy counties (TDHCA Subrecipient Contact List, 2026-02-02)

Who it's for

Jim Wells County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST), a nonprofit Community Action Agency based in Alice; Brooks, Duval and Jim Wells applicants use the Alice office at 601 East Main St., 361-661-1300. CEAP pays toward electric, gas and propane bills, can repair or replace heating and cooling systems in a crisis, and includes energy education; priority goes to households with elderly or disabled members and children under five. Applications are by appointment only (request one through the link on the CACOST CEAP page) and incomplete applications are not processed. Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines ($23,940 for one person in 2026). Call the office above, CACOST's main line at 361-664-0145, or the TDHCA CEAP line at 800-525-0657.

Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) is the TDHCA CEAP subrecipient for Jim Wells County (TDHCA Help for Texans lookup and the TDHCA Subrecipient Contact List updated 2026-02-02, checked 2026-09-25). CACOST's CEAP counties are Bee, Brooks, Cameron, Duval, Jim Wells, San Patricio and Willacy — Aransas, Kleberg, Nueces, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Hidalgo and Webb are served by other subrecipients. Funds are limited and run out during the program year, so apply early. Subrecipient assignments can change between program years — confirm with TDHCA at 800-525-0657 if unsure.

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
  • Current energy bill and any past-due notices
  • Photo identification
  • Proof of Jim Wells County residency
  • Documentation of household members and ages

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 361-661-1300, 361-664-0145

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) — CEAP (Jim Wells County). 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, current energy bill 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

Official source →Last verified · October 7, 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.