Having home internet can help you save money, look for a job, connect with others, make everyday tasks easier, and much more! This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.

You’ll also learn about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a permanent, government program that helps qualifying low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices. In some cases, depending on your internet plan, the ACP discount may help you get home internet for free!

Click here for a list of lecture dates. This lecture is given weekly, but registration is required.

Ages: 60+.

To reach the Senior Planet Tech Hotline, please call 888-713-3495.

Senior Planet from AARP’s technology hotlines are run by patient technology trainers who can help answer your tech questions.

You can also receive information about Senior Planet’s free virtual classes. We offer interactive classes on Zoom, telemedicine, online shopping, and much more.

Free.

Some residential customers may qualify for a discount on monthly service charges.

To qualify for this discount, your income must be at or below 125% 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.

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

Our program provides an average of $5,000 in energy efficiency upgrades at no cost to you - all to help you save month after month.

Proof of income will be requested for eligibility.

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.

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.

In order to receive assistance through Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) the applicant must:

• Reside in Bexar County
• Have income that does not exceed 150% of the Poverty Income Guideline (PDF) set by the Federal Government
• Be a U.S citizen, qualified alien or of verified legal immigration status

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 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

This program provides utility assistance to CPS Energy ratepayers to support the health of families and individuals experiencing a financial hardship. Priority is given to individuals who are elderly, disabled, or a household with children 16 years of age and younger or a ratepayer enrolled in CPS Energy’s Critical Care Program.

In order to receive assistance the applicant must:

• Be a CPS Energy customer
• Reside in Bexar County outside the San Antonio city limits
• Have income that does not exceed 125% of the Poverty Income Guideline

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.

Social Services provided by AARC include:

• Case Management: Medical and Non-medical case management help individuals living with HIV/AIDS become self–sufficient and virally suppressed. Case managers utilize assessments, care coordination, advocacy for options and services to meet client’s comprehensive health needs.
  • Referrals to community resources
  • Medication and medical adherence
  • Linkage to medical care
  • Assist with obtaining HIV medication
  • Assist with applications for medical benefits
  • Client-centered services
• Health Insurance: The Health Insurance Premium–Aids Pharmaceutical Assistance (HIPCSA) program is intended to help HIV positive individuals continue medical care without gaps in health insurance coverage or disruption of treatment. This includes premium payments, office visit/lab co-payments, deductibles and medication co-pays. Funds are NOT available for co-payments associated with hospitalization and/or emergency room care.
• Housing Services: Alamo Area Resource Center maintains an affordable housing data base and provides housing referral and placement services. AARC also provides HOPWA Short Term Rental, Mortgage, Utility assistance (STRMU), Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) and housing case management for those who qualify.
• Patient Navigation: Patient navigation is a process by which an individual—a patient navigator—guides patients with HIV through and around barriers in the complex care system to help ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Outreach Services: Outreach Services is the identification of people with unknown HIV disease, as well as those who know their status but are out-of-care. For help receiving or returning to care contact 210-204-5964.
• Thrive Early Intervention: Assists individuals recently diagnosed with HIV or those with HIV who have not yet established a regimen of regular medical care.
• Transportation: AARC transportation offers a shared-ride service for consumers that because of their disability are unable to access the public transit system. The purpose is to transport our clients to and from their medical appointments. If an AARC shuttle van is not available, we may transport you in a contracted vehicle, such as a taxi. Hours and direct line: Mon-Fri: 8am–4:30pm; 210-625-7222
• Support Groups: Alamo Area Resource Center (AARC) offers and provides space for a variety of different types of discussion, harm reduction, therapy, support and Healthy Relationship groups. Some are presented by AARC, while others are peer-led, organized, and presented by groups or entities not affiliated with AARC. Groups are free to attend and RSVP is not necessary unless stated otherwise. For information about each group and/or to learn about attendance guidelines, restrictions or requirements, contact our Behavioral Health Department at 210-591-0216

During your first visit with us, you will be meeting with our Intake Specialist who will collect all the eligibility documents as well as our agency documents in order to be eligible for services. You can expect to spend about 30-50 minutes with the Intake Specialist.

Be prepared to bring:

• Proof of positivity
• Proof of income
• Proof of residency
• Picture ID

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.

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).
• must be referred by the community's Coordinated Entry system. Call (210) 207-1799 to get that started.

The FRC service family members of the incarcerated and individuals formerly incarcerated with:

• Assistance with basic needs (food, clothing, transportation, ID cards, etc.
• Employment assistance through job readiness, and job referrals.
• Regular support group meetings.
• Substance recovery classes.
• Chaplaincy services.
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Mental health counseling.
• Public utilities assistance (when funding is available).
• Parenting classes.
• Anger management classes.
• Art therapy for victims of domestic violence.

• Identification
• Proof of incarceration

Individuals returning from a period of incarceration or who are on probation or parole and are looking to plan their personal comeback can find assistance at the Bexar County Reentry Center.

Our Reentry team can help you increase your level of 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!

Available services include:

• Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) classes
• Anger Management Classes
• Battering Intervention Prevention Program (BIPP) Classes through CATS
• Cite & Release
• Food, Clothing, and Hygiene Supplies
• Free MRT Classes
• GED Placement, Testing, and Tutoring
• Government Benefits Enrollment
• ID Recovery
• Interview Prep and Job Search Assistance
• Job Fairs
• Job Readiness and Resume Writing
• Job Training Programs
• Mental Health Counseling
• Recovery Coaching for Substance Use Disorder
• Spiritual Guidance and Networking
• Trauma Support Groups for Men & Women
• Utility Assistance
• Veteran Services
• Other Specialized Services

This program is for formerly incarcerated individuals who need resources to successfully transition back into the community.

Free.

The A.R. Nelson Christian Outreach Center, a Ministry of Bethel AME Church, provides food, clothing and limited financial assistance to needy individuals and families in the community.

Food and clothing are distributed on a monthly basis based on family size. Every effort is made to include food items that are healthy and nutritious.

Clients select clothing items from the men’s, women’s and/or children’s sections depending upon their family make-up.

Other assistance is provided as needed in accordance with budgetary restrictions. Prayer and spiritual fellowship are available to all.

Located at the south end of Beasley Brown Community Center

Free.

Provides rent and utility assistance for up to 12 months, for individuals with an active LOCA 1-5 who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

In collaboration with others, we offer an array of services to the poor and vulnerable in and around San Antonio, including underserved, unincorporated areas of Bexar County with high levels of poverty. 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 an array of programs and services that address basic needs. In addition, limited financial assistance is provided for expenses such as utility bills, rent, and medication to low-income individuals as outlined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. We also offer a Rapid Rehousing Program funded by Bexar County Economic and Community Development Department Development Services Division and City of San Antonio - Dept. of Human Services.

In addition, because we guide and oversee a network of more than 59 Conference distribution sites in the community (offering an array of services), we can connect those in need to the conference located closest to them.

Provides assistance to eligible households that need help paying for utilities due to an emergency hardship that impacts their ability to pay.

Call or visit office for information and application process.

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.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers tangible assistance to those in need on a person-to-person basis. It is this personalized involvement that makes the work of the Society unique. 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.

Must reside within parish boundary.

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 (SAHA) and have an eviction notice.

The Guadalupe Community Center provides free, wrap-around support and advocacy services to help individuals and families in need work towards self-sufficiency.

One-time emergency financial assistance to prevent utility disconnection, financial coaching, and budget assessment for income-eligible individuals and families.

Please contact Guadalupe Community Service for additional information.

Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (STVDP) put their faith into action. The Vincentians, as the members are called, follow Christ by serving those in need of food, clothing, and assistance and so bear witness to Christ’s compassion for the poor and broken-hearted. Through person-to-person, Vincentians give their heart and friendship to those they serve.

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.

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.

San Antonio Water System established Project Agua in 2000 to provide twice-yearly payment assistance to residential SAWS customers who are having difficulty paying their water bill and who meet the Federal Income Assistance Guidelines.

To apply for this program, visit City of San Antonio's Human Services website to download and print application.

Water utility assistance only

To be eligible for this program you must:

• Be a SAWS residential account holder.
• Meet income requirements.
• Provide proof of current income (annually).
• Complete the Uplift application, which can be found here.

Additional eligibility requirements are determined by the City of San Antonio Department of Human Services and may include the following:

• Family size
• Age
• Location of residence
• Disability
• Degree of need or emergency

Reduced Deposit lowers the security deposit amount for new customers who qualify from $91.09 to $70.15.

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 $10 to $5) 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.