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Utility Application Process
Effective 9/26/2023: Due to the high volume of applications we have received, the Utility Assistance program will no longer take applications. In case additional funding becomes available we will open appointments.
A partir de 9/26/2023: Debido al alto volumen de aplicaciones el programa para Asistencia de Utilidades ya no aceptará más aplicaciones en este momento esto, si en el futuro hay fondos adicionales, nuestro programa abrirá nuevas citas.
Want to Apply for Electric and Water Assistance?
Bexar County residents who are interested in applying for light (CEAP Program) or water (LIHWAP Program) assistance can do so by calling for an appointment. Customers MUST call to schedule an appointment. Client walk-ins will be asked to return for their booked appointment.
Time: 8:00am-4:30pm
Phone Number: (210) 335-3666
Please note, due to the high cost of energy and the high call volume, you may experience a considerable wait period.
Utility assistance is funded by different State and Federal programs and carries varying qualification guidelines. If your annual income falls at or below the 150% FPL, you may qualify for utility assistance. Note that other factors are considered in addition to income.
Income Guidelines - Effective june 15, 2023
Household Size | Federal Poverty Level | Area Median Income $88,600 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% FPL | 125% FPL | 150% FPL | 80% AMI | |
1 | $14,580.00 | $18,225.50 | $21,870.00 | $49,150.00 |
2 | $19,720.00 | $24,650.00 | $29,580.00 | $56,200.00 |
3 | $24,860.00 | $31,075.00 | $37,290.00 | $63,200.00 |
4 | $30,000.00 | $37,500.00 | $45,000.00 | $70,200.00 |
5 | $35,140.00 | $43,925.00 | $52,710.00 | $75,850.00 |
6 | $40,280.00 | $50,350.00 | $60,420.00 | $81,450.00 |
7 | $45,420.00 | $56,775.00 | $68,130.00 | $87,050.00 |
8 | $50,560.00 | $63,200.00 | $75,840.00 | $92,700.00 |
Application Status
A Notice of Eligibility or Notice of Denial will be emailed to the address provided on the application.
To update, upload, and complete your application. Visit Your Online Application Now
Will I Have My Utility Services Disconnected?
For more information please view www.cpsenergy.com/assistance or SAWS
Application Requirements:
- Read the first page of your application, as it explains the documents that are needed. Be sure to include all documents required when submitting a complete application.
- Answer all the questions on your application. Incomplete applications will be denied.
- Include two (2) telephone numbers and your email address. This ensures proper communication for questions and notices.
- You're required to sign on all signature pages. If applying online, you will sign electronically using your computer touchpad, phone touchscreen, or mouse.
Digitally Sign Document using Touch or Mouse:
Please Note: An email address will be required for the online application.
Proof of US Citizenship - one of these documents is required for all Household Members:
- US State-Issued Birth Certificate
- U.S. Passport
- Permanent Resident Card (front and back)
- Certificate of Naturalization
Proof of Identification for all Household Members:
- State-Issued Photo ID
- U.S. Passport
If a picture ID is not available for children aged 17 and under, two (2) of the following may be accepted:
- State-Issued ID
- Vaccine Record
- School Record (report card, school photo ID, etc.)
- Insurance Card
Please Note: Email address will be required for online application
ALL gross income for ALL Household Members must be provided, including:
- Check stubs
- Social Security and SSI award letters for current year
- Unemployment Benefits with processed date
- Child Support pay history
- TANF award letter
- VA pension/disability letter
- Retirement/Annuity pension letters
- Adoption Subsidy
- Housing Assistance Program/Utility Reimbursement (final rent change notice)
- Snap Award Letter with benefit end date
Please Note: If a household member is age 18 or over and DOES NOT have income or is self-employed, please complete the Declaration of Income Statement. Bank statements are not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I access the application if I do not have a computer and/or Internet?
- How can I apply if I am unable to leave my house?
- Will I still be able to apply if I do not have an email account?
- What if I do not understand how to complete an application?
- If I qualified for help last year, do I have to apply every year?
- Why do I have to resubmit the documents I submitted last year?
- How long does it take to process my application?
- What are the hours of operation?
- Do you have a Complaint?
1. How can I access the application if I do not have a computer and/or Internet?
If you are not able to access the online application:
- Visit our Resource Lab at 233 N. Pecos St., San Antonio, TX, 78207 OR,
- Call us at (210) 335-3666 for additional information or to schedule an appointment (must be eligible) OR,
- We may also refer you to the nearest partner agency for additional assistance
2. How can I apply if I am unable to leave my house?
Please call 210-335-3666 and speak to one of our Client Representatives to request a home visit if you meet the criteria.
3. Will I still be able to apply if I do not have an email account?
- Yes, the clerical team will assist you in creating a free email account if you do not have one.
- If you do not have access to a computer/Internet to check your email account, you may visit our Resource Lab at 233 N. Pecos St., San Antonio, TX 78207.
4. What if I do not understand how to complete an application?
- Please call us at (210) 335-3666 and we will provide assistance in completing the application. Additionally, please have the following documents ready:
- Proof of Citizenship: U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate, Permanent Resident Card, Certificate of Naturalization
- Proof of Identification: Driver’s license, Identification Card, Military Card. If under 18, Social Security card, student ID, Medicare or other health card
- Proof of Income: All gross income received within 30 days prior to the signature date. This includes paystubs, unemployment benefits, TANF, Social Security and/or SSI, pension, or other income including child support and/or family support.
- CPS Energy Utility Bill
5. If I qualified for help last year, do I have to apply every year?
Yes, this is not automatic assistance for the following program year. Your eligibility ends on December 31st of each year and the Grants require you to apply for assistance annually. Our staff will calculate if you meet income eligibility based on federal income guidelines as the program may have new requirements for a household to meet in order to receive assistance.
6. Why do I have to resubmit documents I submitted last year?
Grants require submission of supporting documents every year due to change of address, additional family members, income and other changes.
7. How long does it take to process my application?
Staff processes complete applications (with supporting documents and the correct signatures) in four-six (4-6) weeks.
8. What are the hours of operation?
- Our Resource Lab is open Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM
9. Do you have a Complaint?
- Bexar County Community Impact is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and maintaining a healthy customer relationship. We have a Complaint Policy to ensure our division handles complaints as efficiently and effectively as possible. Customers who do not agree with the service, application process and/or outcome of their application may file a complaint with Community Impact, a division of Economic and Community Development. Clients may file a complaint in person, by phone, or in writing.
- Complaint in Person via Front Lobby: We address complaints filed via the front lobby depending on the availability of personnel. If a Team Lead is unavailable, please provide the following to the Front Lobby staff: Your Name, Contact Number, and a Brief description of the complaint. The Team Lead will notify the Client Services Supervisor to arrange an appointment and address the issue.
- Complaint by Phone: We address complaints filed via phone depending on the availability of personnel. A Phone Representative will inform the Team Lead of your complaint. The Team Lead will transfer the call to the Client Services Supervisor. The Client Services Supervisor will speak to the client and handle the complaint with priority and care.
- Written complaint: We address complaints filed via mail or email upon receipt. Please provide Your Name, Contact Number, and Brief Description of the complaint. A Team member will inform the Team Lead of your complaint. A follow-up call by the Client Services Supervisor will occur within 24-48 hours of your written complaint.
- Handling Your Complaint
- Our goal is to resolve complaints in a timely manner; some concerns may take longer than 30 calendar days to resolve. A member of our team will arrange a follow-up call to provide an update. We will keep you informed of the progress of your complaint, proposed actions, and the expected timeframe for a resolution.