The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Programs (CEAP) is a utility assistance program created with the purpose of helping low-income households that are struggling to pay their electrical bill. Priority is given to households that have elderly or disabled individuals and children younger than 5 years old. 

Eligibility:

• Reside in Hidalgo County
• Proof of citizenship or legal residency
• Present government issued identification
• Meet income and program criteria
• Complete an application

Application can be downloaded in:
English and Spanish

Contact the office for further information.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance program is called LIHEAP. They assist low income people and families with their heating and cooling bills. This program is therefore, a year long program that is available 12 months a year. To qualify for the LIHEAP assistance, you need to qualify. We provide the current Federal Poverty Rates nationwide below.

You are automatically qualified for LIHEAP assistance if you participate in the SNAP food stamps program, TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or the SSI program through Social Security.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to improve the quality of life and promote self sufficiency of the low income and vulnerable households of Hidalgo County by providing effective, efficient, and comprehensive services through partnerships and direct funding.”*

*From the Hidalgo County Community Services Agency website

Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2024

Persons In Family	Earnings (100% Fed Poverty Guideline)
1	$15,060
2	$20,440
3	$25,820
4	$31,200
5	$36,580
6	$41,960
7	$47,340
8	$52,720

*Alaska and Hawaii have different rates for HUD federal poverty guidelines.
These numbers above represent 100% of the Federal Poverty Rate. In order to get legal aid from some offices, they use a sliding fee scale. When they use a sliding fee scale, the 100% rate can be different than 100%. In those cases, using for example a 200% federal poverty level, you will only need double the 100% number listed above to 200%.

User questions & answers

Have you used the Hidalgo County Community Services Agency service before? If so, please help our website users by answer these questions below.