The Utility Assistance Program helps low-income households that are having financial hardship pay their electrical bill. Individuals must apply for this program by requesting an application, fill it out completely, and provide all the supporting paperwork. Please contact the office to request an application, which will be sent vial email or mail.  

Please note that individuals are required to make an appointment to return their application along with all the documentation as walk-ins are not taken. 

Eligibility:

Reside in Harris County

Provide proof of identity for all individuals in household (current/valid Texas Driver’s License, Texas ID, U.S. Passport, U.S. Military ID or U.S. Permanent Resident Card)

Provide proof of Citizenship or legal residency for all individuals in household (U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Permanent Resident Card)

Provide proof of income for the past 30 days for all individuals in household that are 18 years of age and older (employer gross wages, Social Security, Unemployment, SNAP, TANF, Child Support, Adoption Subsidies, Food Stamp Award Letter, Retirement, V.A. Disability, etc.)

Provide a copy of electric bill

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%.

User questions & answers

Have you used the Baker Ripley Utility Assistance Program service before? If so, please help our website users by answer these questions below.