Page Last Updated: December 12, 2022
Information for Utility Vendors
Texas Utility Help is a statewide program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs with funding from LIHEAP and LIHWAP. This new program offers a streamlined online application process, so eligible Texas households can apply for both energy and water bill assistance in a single form.
Through this program, Texas renters and homeowners can apply for direct payments to utility companies on their behalf.
This will not only help make customers and utilities whole on past-due bills, it can also help avoid service disconnects, saving you time, money, and improving customer relations.
Get Paid Fast – Enrolling is Easy
Utility companies MUST be enrolled in the program to receive payment. Enrolling now ensures the program can send you payments (via mailed check) smoothly and efficiently.
TDHCA partnered with Yardi Systems, Inc. to make it easy for customers and vendors to participate in the program. To sign up, utility vendors should call 1-877-541-7905.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is Texas Utility Help?
-
Texas Utility Help is a new statewide program administered by TDHCA with funding from LIHEAP and LIHWAP. The new program offers a streamlined online application process, so any eligible Texas household can apply for both energy and water bill assistance in a single form.
-
Are utility vendors required to participate in the program in order to receive payment on behalf of eligible households?
-
- Energy vendors are required to sign vendor participation agreements in order to receive payments.
- Water and waste water vendors are encouraged to sign vendor participation agreements or they may receive payment subject to the payment terms.
-
How do utility vendors sign up?
-
To sign up, utility vendors should call 1-877-541-7905.
-
How do households apply for assistance?
-
The online application for households is available here.
-
What are the basic requirements for a Texas household to qualify for assistance?
-
Household income must be at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG). At least one member of the household must be a citizen or qualified alien.
-
How will I know which account to apply payment to?
-
The customer’s Account Number will be provided in the remittance information for each individual payment. Additionally, vendors will receive email notification about payments and summary reporting will be available on the portal.
-
What is the difference between the Texas Utility Help or Texas Homeowner Assistance programs?
-
Please refer to this chart to compare the programs and determine which one is best for your household.