We provide financial assistance for overdue utility bills (as long as funds are available).

Assistance is limited to once a 12-month period.

Proof in the form of a disconnection notice is required.

CPS Energy’s Affordability Discount Program (ADP) helps low-income customers with a monthly discount on electricity and gas services. 

Click here to fill out the ADP Customer Service Form.

To qualify for this discount, your income must be at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines and you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Be 60 years old or older.
• Have a disability.
• Use life-sustaining medical equipment.
• Have pre-school aged children or school children age 18 and under.
• Have extenuating circumstances as determined by CPS Energy or the City of San Antonio.

Enrollment period is one year and residents must recertify their elibility every year. 

The SaveNow Casa Verde Weatherization Program helps income-qualifying homeowners and renters reduce energy loss (and costs) with free energy efficiency improvements.

FREE ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES MAY INCLUDE:

• Attic insulation
• Wall insulation
• Air-sealing measures
• Replacement of incandescent light bulbs with LEDs
• Duct sealing 
  
  Click here to apply

• This is a free program for income-qualified homeowners and renters
• Customer must meet the income guidelines, and the home must meet program guidelines
• Customer or a representative 18 years of age or older must be on the premises at all times while contractors and/or CPS Energy staff are working

Free

Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) is a non-profit foundation that helps families in need pay their utility bills throughout the year and educates them on energy-saving conservation measures to help them save money.

Once you are approved for REAP assistance:

• You may apply twice a year, for a total of $400 REAP utility bill assistance for the year.
• You will receive credit on your CPS Energy utility bills as well as information about CPS Energy programs on weatherization,  low-cost/no-cost energy efficiency, senior-citizen aid, and critical care assistance.
• You will be asked to present proof of income, hardship, and number of family members.

You may qualify for REAP assistance if you:

• Have income at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines.
• Are a resident of San Antonio or Bexar County. 
• Meet at least ONE of the following: are age 60 or older, disabled, have children under age 16 living in your home, or require critical-care equipment.

Click here for online application through the San Antonio's Department of Health and Human Services - Utility Assistance Application. 

The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is a utility assistance program. CEAP is designed to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate energy needs and to encourage consumers to control energy costs for years to come through energy education.

To receive assistance through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) the applicant must:

• Be a CPS Energy customer
• Reside in Bexar County
• Be a U.S citizen or meet non-citizen criteria
• Meet income guidelines

Must provide one of the following documents:

• U.S. Passport
• Certificate of U.S Citizenship
• Certificate of Naturalization

If you can not provide one of those documents, then you must provide one of the following:

• valid state-issued driver's license or ID card and
• birth certificate or valid voter registration card

Priority for utility assistance is given to low-income households:

• Elderly (60+)
• Disabled
• Families with children five years of age or younger

The Rapid Re-Housing program reduces the amount of time a family experiences homelessness and rapidly re-houses families into permanent, affordable homes. Financial assistance is provided for up to 3 months along with 12 months of case management.

Rapid Re-Housing Program provides:

• Assistance with deposit, rent, and utilities for up to 3 months
• Case management with emphasis on budgeting and maintaining self-sufficiency for 12 months

Individuals and families are housed in apartments they select. (The apartment must meet HUD habitability standards and be within fair-market rent/rent reasonableness guidelines based upon household size.

SAMMinistries’ Rapid Re-housing program is partially funded by the City of San Antonio. We are grateful for their ongoing partnership.

The individual or family:

• must be "literally homeless" by HUD definition (living in an emergency shelter, on the street, or in a place not meant for habitation).
• Can be a family, couple, or individual
• Must be willing to work with case manager for 12 months
• Must have sustainable income with 60 days

NEED HELP?

CONTACT:
210-321-5610

None

This program provides financial assistance to households who have become homeless and require short or mid-term assistance to be able to regain housing stability.

Clients/households are referred by the Coordinated Entry system and through the hotline from the City of San Antonio.

Case Management is required to participate in this program.

We offer comprehensive services for people living with HIV. Whether you were recently diagnosed or if you are encountering barriers not allowing you to be in medical care, and are living in the San Antonio area we have support and services for you. 

Case Management: Our team of case managers and community health workers offer medical and non-medical case management to help you achieve your health goals.

Early Intervention: Were you recently diagnosed with HIV or want to return to care? The ASCEND program is here to guide you through the medical care system.

Health Insurance: AARC’s health insurance program can help you continue medical care without gaps in health insurance coverage or disruption of treatment.

Behavioral Health: Mental health services are provided to individuals and families who are dealing with various life stressors. Psychiatric services are also available.

Housing Services: AARC provides housing referrals and short-term rental, mortgage, utility assistance, and housing case management for those who qualify.

Transportation Services: From doctor appointments to your counseling sessions AARC’s transportation can you get there.

Individuals who have had any criminal justice involvement in the past and are looking to plan their comeback can find assistance at the Bexar County Reentry Center.

Our Reentry team can help you increase your employability, obtain higher educational levels, and acquire specialized job training. A variety of other services and resources are also available to you as well. Call us for an appointment!

Free

Available Services

• Anger Management Classes
• Battering Intervention & Prevention Program (BIPP)
• Cite & Release
• Food, Hygiene, and Clothing
• GED Placement Testing and Tutoring
• Government Benefits Enrollment
• ID Recovery
• Interview Preparation and Job Search Assistance
• Job Readiness and Resume Writing
• Job Training Program
• Mental Health Services
• Moral Reconation Therapy (Pre-MRT & MRT)
• Other Specialized Classes
• Spiritual Guidance and Networking
• Substance Abuse Services
• Utility Assistance

The goal of the Fair Housing/ Housing Counseling Program is to help residents maintain housing stability, which is key to family well-being. The program is a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counseling agency.

The Fair Housing Program provides the following services to rental tenants, homeowners and landlords:

• Tenant and landlord mediation
• Default counseling to homeowners
• Housing Discrimination Complaints
• Referrals and community outreach
• Rent Assistance
• Mortgage Assistance
• Utility Assistance

Limited resources available. Call for information. Re-apply frequently.

Provides housing case management as well as rent and utility assistance for up to 12 months for qualifying individuals.

To qualify for this program, you must:

• or individuals with an active LOCA 1-5
• be a current adult mental health consumer with The Center for Health Care Services Outpatient Clinics;
• have verifiable income;
• have a valid government-issued ID, birth certificate, and Social Security card;
• meet HUD homeless definition: having a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or campground.

In collaboration with others, we offer services to the poor and vulnerable in and around San Antonio, including underserved, unincorporated areas of Bexar County with high poverty levels. The program serves a broad population of all ages, with a special focus on veterans, the disabled, seniors, those with children under 5, the homeless, and those at high risk of becoming homeless.

Through our Essential Services Program, we offer various programs and services that address basic needs. In addition, limited financial assistance is provided to low-income individuals for expenses such as utility bills, rent, and medication, as outlined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. We also offer a Rapid Rehousing Program funded by the Bexar County Economic and Community Development Department Development Services Division and the City of San Antonio Department of Human Services.

In addition, because we guide and oversee a network of Conference distribution sites in the community that offer an array of services, we can connect those in need to the conference closest to them.

This program provides emergency assistance for food, rent, and utilities.

(The Social Service office is located in classroom #3 of the school building.)

• Must be living within parish boundaries or be a registered parishioner.
• ID is required to receive services.
• Those seeking utility or rent assistance must have a disconnection notice.
• Those seeking rent assistance must live in public housing (Opportunity Home) and have an eviction notice.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers tangible assistance to those in need on a person-to-person basis. This aid may take the form of intervention, consultation, or often through direct dollar or in-kind service. An essential precept of the Society's work is to provide help while conscientiously maintaining the confidentiality and dignity of those served. Society recognizes that it must also assume the role of advocating for those who are defenseless or voiceless. 

Services Offered:

• Food Pantry
• Utility Assistance

Requirements:

• Must have valid ID
• Must reside within parish boundary.
• Application with Household Members and Information.

Free.

Callers may call on Monday and Friday to get placed on the rent and utility assistance waitlist. If services are disconnected, please get in touch with us to be placed on the utility and rent assistance waitlist, as a case manager will have to assess the circumstances. 

We encourage and support healthy aging in San Antonio’s westside community by facilitating services to reduce social isolation, improve their mental and physical health, and improve their overall quality of life.

Seniors who attend our program will participate in activities that will encourage and support their health:

• physical
• emotional
• social
• intellectual
• occupational

Our Services

• Senior Lunch Service - HNS provides healthy home-cooked meals to seniors
• Senior Center - Senior activities
• Case Management - barriers that impact our seniors’ health outcomes, access to healthcare, housing, and safety and resources depending on their needs. 
• Building Hope Together - Our program ensures that the homes of older adults within our service area are safe, secure, and sustainable.

Some of the resources provided:

• Food
• Hygiene items
• Household goods
• Insurance
• Medical Care
• Legal help
• Rental Assistance
• Utility Assistance

Available for Seniors 60+ who reside on the Westside of San Antonio.

Free.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers tangible assistance to those in need on a person-to-person basis. This aid may take the form of intervention, consultation, or often through direct dollar or in-kind service. An essential precept of the Society's work is to provide help while conscientiously maintaining the confidentiality and dignity of those who are served. The Society recognizes that it must assume, also, a role of advocacy for those who are defenseless or voiceless. 

Services Offered:

• Food Pantry
• Utility Assistance
• Clothing Services

Food Pantry and Utility Assistance Requirements:

• Must reside within parish boundary.

Other Services for the Homeless:

• Sack Lunches
• Clothes
• Personal Hygiene Items

Free.

Courtesy Hold will prevent your water service from being shut off while your application for SAWS assistance is being processed.

To be eligible for this program you must:

• Be a SAWS residential account holder.
• Meet income requirements.
• Complete the Uplift application, which can be found here.

Disability Billing/Disabled Veterans Initiative provides a payment extension to residential customers who receive disability income.

To be eligible for this program you must:

• Be a SAWS residential account holder.
• Must be disabled.
• Must provide proof of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the U.S. Social Security Administration or your VA benefits award letter, which states your disability percentage, from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Meet income requirements.
• Complete the Uplift application, which can be found here.

Domestic Violence Deposit Waiver allows victims to open a new service account without paying a security deposit.

To be eligible for this program you must:

• Be a SAWS residential account holder.
• Meet income requirements.
• Complete the Uplift application, which can be found here.

SAWS is responsible for maintaining the water line from the main to your water meter. You are responsible for repairs to any part of the water system from the meter toward your home or business. If you find a leak, please repair it as quickly as possible to minimize water loss.

Under some circumstances, SAWS will provide a credit adjustment to your bill. Leak adjustments are applied once every 12 months.

Leak Adjustments remove charges for "lost" water if you have a leak repaired by a licensed plumber.

To be eligible for this program you must:

• Be a SAWS residential account holder.
• Meet income requirements.
• Complete the Uplift application, which can be found here.

Send a copy of the repair receipt and a brief explanation of the type of leak within 60 days of repair, the date of repairs, and the account number or service address to SAWS Account Review, P.O. Box 2449, San Antonio, TX, 78298, by fax to 210-233-4163 or email to [email protected]. Be sure to include your contact information.

Reduced Deposit lowers the security deposit amount for new customers who qualify from $100 to $50.

To be eligible for this program you must:

• Be a SAWS residential account holder.
• Meet income requirements.
• Complete the Uplift application, which can be found here.

Reduced Meter Service Fee lowers the amount we charge (from $12 to $6) for sending a technician to your home to disconnect your water service due to non-payment.

To be eligible for this program you must:

• Be a SAWS residential account holder.
• Meet income requirements.
• Complete the Uplift application, which can be found here.

SAWS Payment Arrangements allow you to work out a payment plan for your past-due account balance.

To be eligible for this program you must:

• Be a SAWS residential account holder.
• Meet income requirements.
• Complete the Uplift application, which can be found here.

Senior Citizen Billing waives late payment penalties for customers age 60 and older.

To be eligible for this program you must:

• Be a SAWS residential account holder.
• Meet income requirements.
• Complete the Uplift application, which can be found here.

Our goal is simple: to offer a helping hand to our neighbors in need. Since water is an essential part of life, we want to make sure no family ever has to be disconnected because they can’t pay their bills.

We started our assistance program in 2000 with just a handful of benefits. Today, Uplift has grown to include many ways to assist customers who need a little extra help. There’s no need to worry about filling out mountains of paperwork. Just submit an application and we’ll take care of the rest.

Water utility assistance only.

To be eligible for this program you must:

• Be a SAWS residential account holder.
• Meet income requirements.
• Complete the Uplift application.

WaterSmart is an online tool to help you save water (and money).

• Monthly home water report emailed to you.
• Mobile-friendly dashboard for 24/7 access to your water use history.
• Customized water-saving tips selected especially for your lifestyle and needs.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers tangible assistance to those in need on a person-to-person basis. This aid may take the form of intervention, consultation, or often through direct dollar or in-kind service. An essential precept of the Society's work is to provide help while conscientiously maintaining the confidentiality and dignity of those who are served. The Society recognizes that it must assume, also, a role of advocacy for those who are defenseless or voiceless. 

Services Offered:

• Food Pantry
• Clothing Assistance
• Utility Assistance
• Rental Assistance
• Home Visits

Requirements:

• Must reside within parish boundary.
• We serve on a case-to-case basis, we will not turn you away if it is your first visit.

Free

The Family Assistance Center’s main focus is to provide low-income families and individuals with the support they need to move toward better jobs and financial self-sufficiency. Through combined federal (Community Services Block Grant), utility (CPS Energy and SAWS), and general fund dollars, the Department of Human Services Family Assistance Centers help families in San Antonio and Bexar County that are seeking to meet basic needs, such as utilities, and those aiming for better employment.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTERS

UTILITY ASSISTANCE

• Plumbers to People (SAWS)
• Project Agua (SAWS)
• Project REAP (CPS Energy)
• Utility Assistance Application - Electronic Version (Recommended for use with smartphones)
• Utility Assistance Application - Paper Version

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

• Work Support & Case Management
• Job readiness

OTHER

• Assistance in applying for Benefits (Food Stamps, Medicaid, etc.)
• Referrals to other Community Services