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Navigate Life Texas: Resources for kids with disabilities and special needs
Navigate Life Texas: Resources for kids with disabilities and special needs
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Do you need help paying utility bills? Or do you need to reduce your bills by making your home more energy-efficient, also known as “weatherization”?
In Texas, there are programs that might be able to help your family with utility bill costs. Programs are different in each community. This page has ideas to help you find utility bill assistance.
Programs might be just for people with disabilities – or they might be for anyone who needs help, such as people with lower incomes (money you get from jobs and benefits). Some programs give help all year. And some give help for one or a few months, such as during a time when a family has high medical bills, an emergency or other costs.
Programs can be offered through churches, the county government, an energy company or other organizations.
Here are some ideas to start looking for programs or discounts:
Here in Texas, some people with disabilities can get help with their utility bills if they have SSI disability benefits. If your child has these benefits, your family might be able to get help from the Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program.
This program also helps people with lower incomes.
Visit the website for the Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program to learn more. On the website, answer some questions to see if your family can get this help. We have heard from other parents that it might take a few months for the discounts to kick in.
To search for other programs that help with utilities, try 2-1-1 Texas. 2-1-1 is a program that can connect you to many types of help. They have up-to-date information on resources in communities across the state.
To get help paying for utilities such as gas, electric and water bills, try searching on the 2-1-1 website. There are two different searches that you can use.
“Weatherization” is how you can make your home warmer, colder, drier and more. It is a way to make your bills cheaper.
You can also reach 2-1-1 Texas by just dialing 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905.
You can talk to someone in English or Spanish. Press Option 1 for services in your area and enter your zip code. You will then be connected with a person who will help you find what you need and what is available in your area.
We have heard from other parents that you might have to wait on the phone before talking to someone, depending on your location in Texas.
It can be stressful to feel like your medical and other bills are piling up. Getting help with some of those costs or finding a way to make bills lower in the future can make a real difference.