Utility Program Comparison
In order to assist Texas homeowners and renters throughout the state with past due utility bills, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs administers two separate assistance programs. Please refer to the chart below to compare the programs and determine which one is best for your household.
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| Program Website | https://texashomeownerassistance.com/ | https://texasutilityhelp.com/ | |
| Household Eligibility | Homeownership Required | Yes | No |
| Income Limit for Eligibility | 100% Area Median Income (AMI) or 100% US Median Income, Whichever is Greater | 150% Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG) | |
| COVID-19 Hardship Required | Yes | No | |
| US Citizenship or Qualified Immigrant Status Required | No | Yes | |
| Utility Vendor Participation Agreement Required | No | Yes (energy vendors)
No (water and waste water vendors) |
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| Payments | Eligible Utility Expenses | Electricity, Gas, Propane, Water, Wastewater | Electricity, Gas, Propane, Water, Wastewater |
| Past Due Utility Bill Required | Yes | No | |
| Prospective Utility Assistance Based On Alternative Billing Method (ABM) | 3 Months | 12 Months (energy)
Through September 20, 2023 (water and waste water) |
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| Utility Payment Caps | $10,000 Cap In Total, Inclusive of Past Due Balance and Prospective Assistance | No Cap On Past Due Amounts
For Prospective Payments, Up To: |
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| Eligible Non-Utility Expenses | Past Due Mortgage, Property Tax, Insurance, HOA | None | |
| Apply Now | Apply Now |