The Community Council of Southwest Texas participates in the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This program has the purpose of assisting low-income households that are struggling to pay their electrical bill. Vulnerable households that have the lowest income, the higher energy costs (60 years and older) and disabled individuals, and children younger than 5 years old will be given priority. Households must apply for the program and provide all the required paperwork.

Eligibility:

• Individuals in household must provide identification documents
• Individuals in household that have a birth certificate must provide it
• Social security cards for everyone on household
  
• Proof of income (anyone 18 and older)
  
• Copies of employment check-stubs for the past 30 days
• Documentation required for anyone receiving Social Security, Retirement, Veterans benefits, SNAP, etc. 
• Proof of child support for the past 30 days
• Current utility bill or disconnection notice

Please note:

Households are encouraged to apply online. It is mandatory for all the required documents to be uploaded and for the application to be filled out and signed. Applications will not be processed if all documents are not uploaded.

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.

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%.

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