February 26, 2021 – With the recent power outages following severe winter conditions in Texas, many utility customers have found themselves in need of assistance with their bills. Crisis assistance is one type of LIHEAP assistance that applicants may be eligible to receive.
To be eligible for LIHEAP crisis benefits, an applicant must fit that state’s defined definitions for what constitutes a crisis or life-threatening emergency. These definitions vary from grantee to grantee. In Texas, a crisis is defined as:
“..persons who have already lost service or are in immediate danger of losing service only under one of the following conditions, as defined in 10 TAC §6.301 (relating to Background and Definitions): (1) Extreme Weather Conditions, with assistance provided within 48 hours; (2) Disaster, with assistance provided within 48 hours; or (3) Life Threatening Crisis, with assistance provided within 18 hours.”
The maximum, year-round benefit amount for crisis assistance in Texas is $1,600.
Each state has different maximum benefit amounts for crisis, heating, cooling and weatherization programs. Learn more about maximum benefit amounts and other eligibility guidelines in your area on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse web site.
