Community Resources

Division Overview

The Community Resources Division of the Economic and Community Development department provides financial assistance for utility payments and administers the Pauper Burial program.

The Community Resources Division receives funding from the State to offer financial assistance to eligible County residents for electric and natural gas bills. This assistance is designed to prevent utility disconnection and to assist households in becoming self-sufficient.

Documents:

Announcements

Office Closure Notice:

The offices for Utility Assistance and Pauper Burial will be closed on Friday, March 6, 2020 for our Department Planning Workshop. Offices will re-open on Monday March 9, 2020.

Important Notices:

  1. Effective February 3, 2020 the utility assistance funded by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs CEAP, has changed the income guidelines for 2020.  The income eligibility is based on 150% of the listed Federal Poverty Guidelines per persons in Family or Household.

    Persons in Household
    150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
    1
    $19,140
    2
    $25,860
    3
    $32,580
    4
    $39,300
    5
    $46,020
    6
    $52,740
    7
    $59,460
    8
    $66,180

    Families with more than 8 persons add $6,720 for each additional person.

  2. Effective January 2020, we have closed out the 2019 year, and the 2019 applications are no longer valid or will be accepted. 

  3. We are now accepting utility assistance application requests by: mail, phone, email or walk-in for 2020 applications. Please be aware, once all slots for 2020 application requests are given out for the day you will have to call back or return the following business day.

  4. Phone lines are open on Monday from 10:30 am to 11:30 am and Tuesday’s through Friday from 8:00 am to 11:30 am.  Phone lines re-open Monday through Friday from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm for all Utility Assistance inquiries.  For Pauper Burial information please contact the Pauper Burial Office at (210) 335-0757.

  5. Notice of Changes-Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA) Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) funded Utility Assistance: All 2020 rule changes are according to the TDHCA item 10 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 6.310 rule and becomes effective January 1, 2020. The "Household Crisis" program was renamed to "Crisis Assistance" program (CAP).  To qualify and receive benefits under the CAP the following criteria are required: (1) Households must have lost service (disconnected) or be at risk of disconnection; and (2) Must meet one of three conditions: Extreme Weather Conditions; Disaster; or Life-threatening Crisis.  

    Note, under the TDHCA - CEAP funding source, both programs: (1) Utility Assistance Program (UAP) and (2) Crisis Assistance Program (CAP) require with a completed and signed application proof of (a) U.S. Citizenship, (b) government identity and (c) income for all household members. Be aware, additional questions will be asked on new 2020 applications. If you would like more information regarding these program rule changes please visit the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program website at: www.tdhca.state.tx.us/community-affairs/ceap/index.htm

  6. In addition to UAP and CAP, we also have the CPS Energy Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) utility assistance program that is funded by CPS Energy. To qualify for Bexar County REAP assistance applicants must reside outside City of San Antonio limits and within Bexar County and must be income qualified.

  7. If you are in danger of disconnection, we recommend you contact CPS Energy at (210) 353-2222 to request an extension on your account or to make payment arrangements to avoid disconnection. For a listing of additional resources, please contact United Way by dialing 211.

View Our Assistance Programs:

  1. REAP - Energy Assistance
  2. CEAP - Energy Assistance
  3. Pauper Burial Assistance

REAP - Resident Energy Assistance Program

This program provides utility assistance to CPS Energy ratepayers to support the health of families and individuals experiencing a financial hardship. Priority is given to individuals who are elderly, disabled, or a household with children 16 years of age and younger or a ratepayer enrolled in CPS Energy’s Critical Care Program. 

In order to receive assistance the applicant must:

  • Be a CPS Energy customer
  • Reside in Bexar County outside the of San Antonio city limits 
  • Have income that does not exceed 125% of the Poverty Income Guideline (PDF) 

For additional assistance, please contact us at 210-335-3666 or email us

Mailing Address:

Bexar County Economic & Community Development Attn: Utility Assistance
233 N. Pecos, Suite 590
San Antonio, Texas 78207

Other Energy Resources:

  • Disconnection Notice: If you have received a red disconnection notice please call 210-335-3666 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note, only a limited amount of appointments are given daily. 
  • Payment Arrangements: If you are in danger of being disconnected, please contact CPS Energy at 210-353-2222. You may be eligible for an extension and/or installment plan to avoid disconnection of services. 
  • Other Resources: United Way offers services free and confidential information for a variety of services, call 2-1-1 or 227-HELP
  1. How do I apply for Utility Assistance?
  2. I was certified for Utility Assistance, when should I expect my payment to be made?
  3. I qualified for help last year, why do I always have to re-apply each year?
  4. My neighbor turned in her application after me, but she was helped first. Why is that?
  5. My spouse/room mate moved out last week, do I have to include them in my application?
  6. My utility bill is under someone else’s name. Can I still apply?
  7. I cannot provide proof of my U.S. Citizenship, can I still apply?
  8. Do I have to submit all new paperwork even though I was in the system last year?
  1. How will I know I received help?
  2. Is Bexar County going to pay my full bill?
  3. How do I proceed once my application is turned in?
  4. What if my services are scheduled for disconnection?
  5. How long will it take for you to work on my application?
  6. Why was my application Denied?
  7. I was denied, but I still need help, can I reapply?
  8. If Bexar County cannot help me, what are my options for getting my bill paid?