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How to Qualify for Social Services Assistance? 

To Qualify for Bereavement Services shutterstock_1279863220.jpg

The following items are requirements to determine eligibility to receive bereavement services assistance:

  • We provide bereavement services for the indigent population of Harris County. Those with no resources for a funeral. Those who are abandoned with no family or friends to support their interment
  • We operate on a policy of cremation services being the first option. If there is no objection from legal next of kin, cremation service is provided. If there is an objection from legal next of Kin, burial is provided at the County cemetery. 

For additional information regarding bereavement services and eligibility, please contact the Bereavement Program at (713) 696-1952.

To Qualify for Emergency Utility Assistance 


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

  • 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 (your ID must be current).  You must have some form of government-issued identification to verify you are the person whom you state you are.  Copies of identification will NOT be accepted.
  • Citizenship status.  You must be a US citizen or 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 provide verification of 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.

To Qualify for Rental Assistance 


The following items are requirements to determine eligibility to receive rental assistance:

  • Must have a valid state or federal identification and social security card
  • Must have legal U.S. citizenship or resident status (or kids are citizens & parents are on the birth certificate)
  • Must be below 80% average median income for Harris County
  • Must have proof of income: 30 days of paycheck stubs, workmen's compensation letter, all award letters (ex. SSI/SSDI, TANF, food stamps, pension vet benefits, child)
  • Must reside within Harris County
  • Applicant must be head of household
  • You must provide a valid Lease or mortgage statement
  • You must demonstrate proof of need such as vacate notice with the client's name on it, a documented hardship or proof of exhausting income
  • Your Landlord or Mortgage Company must be willing to work with Harris County & guarantee residency for the next 30 days
  • You must have a W9 from your landlord, apartment manager or mortgage company

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

 Items that may make you ineligible

  • Unable to pay the following month's rent
  • Zero income currently or in the foreseeable future

Requests are reviewed on a first come first serve basis.

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

42,750

48,850

54,950

61,050

65,950

70,850

75,750

80,600

        







Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development June 28, 2019 (Conforms to HOME Rents).