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​Emergency Utility Assistance


How Can we Help?
To learn more about how we may be able to assist you, we invite you to click here if you have an emergency financial need related to utility disconnection or rental vacate notice/past-due mortgage.

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Emergency Utility Assistance 


For many, you have a job. You work hard. But unforeseen circumstances can make it hard to make all ends meet.  That is where the Harris County Community Services Department may be able to help.

Assistance is subject to available funding.  In the case of utility assistance, CSD partners with area utility providers who can make a limited amount of funds available to help people in need.

If you qualify and if funding is available, we are happy to assist.


How to Qualify?


The following items are requirements to determine eligibility to receive emergency utility assistance:

  • Must have a disconnect notice for the utility bill.

  • Must schedule an appointment by calling 713-696-7900 

  • Must have a Utility Bill (must be dated within the past 30 days)
  • Bill must be in the applicant's name.  The applicant must reside in the household seeking assistance.
  • Must have current picture identification and social security card.  You must have some form of government-issued identification (US or Foreign Passport) to verify you are the person whom you state you are. 
  • Citizenship status.  You must be a US citizen or a properly documented immigrant.  If you were not born in the United States, but your minor children (who live with you) were born in the United States, you must provide their original birth certificate. 
  • Must provide house deed or lease agreement or housing contract
  • Must provide proof of current or most recent income and/or proof of past management of bills/rent. Verification of ALL income must be provided for ALL household members who are receiving income.  Income documentation must be verifiable.  Income documentation may include, but not limited to, Social Security Disability award letters, TANF award letters, Food Stamp award letters, Veterans Administration award letters, printouts from Texas Attorney General (child support), paycheck stubs, a letter from employer, and letters from friends/family.  If there is no income from a particular household member (who is 18 years or older), a certification of income form must be completed. 
  • Must provide bank transaction history reports and receipts (for the last 30 days from the date of appointment).
  • Must verify other assistance. If you are currently receiving assistance from another agency/or organization, please provide proof of ALL pledges and assistance.

For additional information regarding emergency utility assistance and eligibility, please contact the Social Services department at (713) 696-7900.


The following income guidelines will be used to determine eligibility:

INCOME LEVELS*

HOUSEHOLD SIZE

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Maximum Income for eligibility

49,600

56,700

63,800

70,850

76,550

82,200

87,900

93,550







Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development June 15, 2022 (Conforms to HOME Rents).