How to apply for Austin Energy Financial Support Plus 1 — emergency utility bill help (Travis County) in Texas
Austin Energy / City of Austin Utilities, in partnership with local social service agencies including the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the Capital Area (CAPCOG)
Who it's for
Emergency financial aid toward a City of Austin utility bill for residential customers who are having a temporary problem paying — after a serious illness, a job loss, or another emergency. The money is not applied for at Austin Energy: partner social service agencies screen applicants, decide eligibility, and pledge the funds directly to the customer's utility account. Older adults and people with disabilities in the Austin service area can start with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the Capital Area at 855-937-2372, which is a Plus 1 partner; other partner agencies are listed at FinancialSupportPlus1.com. Some agencies serve only their existing clients or certain ZIP codes. Questions or trouble reaching an agency: billhelp@austinenergy.com or 512-494-9400.
You must be a City of Austin utility customer and the account must be residential — Plus 1 cannot be used for a deposit. The programme's own list of who qualifies is broader than this check can test: people 60 or older, Medicare-eligible people, and people of any age with a disability, but also primary caregivers for an adult 60+, caregivers for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia, non-parental caregivers aged 55+ for an adult with severe disabilities, grandparents or other relatives 55+ raising a child, and relatives 60+ caring for an adult aged 18-59 with a disability. If any of those describe you, call even if this check says otherwise. Only a partner agency can approve and pledge the funds — the ADRC is one, on 855-937-2372. Funding is limited and meant for a temporary crisis, not ongoing bill relief. City of Austin utilities serve a few addresses outside Travis County; ring the same number if you are an Austin utility customer elsewhere.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat you'll need
- A current City of Austin utility account in your name
- Documentation of the emergency (job loss, medical bills, etc.) requested by the partner agency
- Any intake documents the partner agency requires (some serve only current clients)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-855-937-2372
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Austin Energy Financial Support Plus 1 — emergency utility bill help (Travis 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 a current City of Austin utility account in your name, documentation of the emergency (job loss, medical bills, etc.) requested by the partner agency, any intake documents the partner agency requires (some serve only current clients) — 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
one-time emergency assistance (agency discretion)
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.