Local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and churches provide financial assistance to people with low incomes and people who need temporary help paying their bills due to unexpected circumstances, such as losing a job, car repairs and unexpected medical bills. If you need short-term, one-time financial assistance to pay for an electric bill, rent or mortgage, Travis County Family Support Services, local nonprofit organizations, and churches may offer limited assistance.
Requesting Assistance from Organizations and Churches:
(1) Many organizations and churches serve only specific geographic areas, and they may have other strict eligibility criteria that you must follow in order to qualify for assistance.
(2) Small organizations and churches may only be able to provide you with a limited amount of money, in some cases around $25. And some weeks, they may be out of money until the following month.
(3) When applying at organizations and churches for financial assistance, always take your photo identification, social security numbers for all household members, proof of income, and documentation regarding the type of bill with which you need help, such as a current utility bill or lease agreement showing your monthly rent. Some service providers may require more documents, so be sure and ask when you call.
(4) Seeking help may be difficult and time-consuming, and you may need to contact several organizations in order to find one that has the resources to help.
(5) If help is not available, rely upon support networks such as family members and close friends for assistance. Prioritize your needs; consider pawning televisions, jewelry, cameras or video players to secure monies to meet your basic needs.
Additional (Utility) Financial Assistance Resources:
If you are behind in paying your electric, gas or water bills, contact your utility company. They may be able to work out payment plans with you and / or offer special budget options. Once you are on a payment plan, the companies may not be very flexible if you cannot pay the amount you agree to pay each month.
Austin Energy Customer Service Center .494-9400
Here are some ideas on how to find payment plans that suits your budget: work with your retail electric provider. Your provider has programs to assist you in paying your electric bill. It is important to remember that your provider will work with you on an individual basis to help you keep your light on. Ask about the following payment options: (1) Average Payment Plans (2) Payment Assistance Funds (3) Bill Deadline Extensions (4) Deferred Payment Plans.
Texas Gas Service .. ..(800) 700-2443
The ABC Plan allows customers to pay the same amount every month by averaging annual consumption. Typically, your gas bill is higher in the winter and lower in the summer. The plan you to pay the same amount each month for natural gas service. Easy to predict, easy on your budget and you pay no extra fees or costs to participate.
Additionally, you can take steps to shield yourself from winter price spikes by following our gas conservation tips, such as weatherizing your home and setting your thermostat to 68 degrees.
How does the ABC work?
The ABC Plan is available to residential customers only. Customers will be paying the same amount each month. The payment amount you are billed is based upon your previous billing history.
Additional benefits while on the plan include:
No delayed payment charges.
No disconnect notices.
Although the due date on the bill remains the same, the account will be considered paid on time if the payment is received before the next bill is rendered.
You may leave the ABC Plan at any time, but you must pay any remaining balance upon plan termination.
At the time of review, if a credit balance exists it will be transferred to your account balance and may be refunded upon your request. Sign up for the ABC Plan today!
If you are looking for discount telephone service, contact LINK UP TEXAS programs for consumers with low income, or consumer who participate in such programs as Food Stamps, Medicaid, Housing, TANF or SSI.
Web site: http://www.puc.state.tx.us
If your rent is past due and you are concerned about being evicted, contact the Austin Tenants Council to find our information about your rights and responsibilities as a renter. The Austin Tenants Council can give you detailed information about the eviction process and the Texas Landlord/Tenant Law, and offer meditation in some cases. Their website also offers a wealth of useful information.
Web site: http://www.housing-rights.org.
Austin Tenants Council ... .474-1961
Email: questions@housing-rights.org in addition to calling, you may also email them questions. Be sure to include your full name and address with city, state, and zip, and identify whether you are a landlord or a tenant. Also, submitting answers to the following questions is helpful: 1) is your lease written or verbal/ If written, what type of lease is it (Texas Apartment Association, Texas Board of Realtors, handwritten)? 2) When does the lease expire? 3) Does your landlord currently claim that you owe any monies?
Alphabetical Index | Subject Index | Miscellaneous Self-Advocacy Guide