Utility Assistance Program
If you live in Harris, Brazoria, or Galveston County and are having trouble keeping up with your electricity, gas, or propane bill, the BakerRipley Utility Assistance Program may help.
BakerRipley provides utility bill assistance to eligible households using funding from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
How to Apply Check Application Status2026 Program Highlights
BakerRipley Utility Assistance Program: Dates and Details
The BakerRipley Utility Assistance Program provides utility-bill support to eligible households in three Texas counties. Applications are accepted during scheduled enrollment periods and available slots are limited.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | BakerRipley Utility Assistance Program |
| Program Year | 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | Monday, September 14, 2026 |
| Online Application Deadline | No fixed closing date announced |
| Online Portal Closing Rule | Portal closes after 4,000 applications are received |
| Offline Appointment Booking | Monday, September 21, 2026 |
| Offline Appointment Period | Appointments to apply in person for October 2026 |
| Phone Number | 713-590-2327 |
| Eligible Counties | Harris, Brazoria and Galveston |
| Utilities Covered | Electricity, natural gas and propane |
| Water Bill Assistance | Not covered |
| Application Review | Written outcome within six weeks |
What Is the BakerRipley Utility Assistance Program?
BakerRipley provides utility-bill support through Texas’s Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).
How the Program Works
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) administers CEAP and supports qualifying low-income households with energy costs.
BakerRipley delivers this assistance to eligible households in Harris, Brazoria and Galveston counties.
Eligible Utility Bills
- Electricity bills
- Natural gas bills
- Propane bills
Who Is Eligible for BakerRipley Utility Assistance?
Applicants generally need to meet the following requirements before submitting an application.
Location
You must live in Harris, Brazoria or Galveston County.
Household Income
Your household income must fall within the applicable income limit.
Income Documents
You must provide the required income documentation.
Identification
Identification and citizenship or legal residency documents are required.
Utility Bill
You must provide a current electricity, gas or propane bill.
Household Members
Applicants should include all household members on the application.
BakerRipley Income Limits 2026
BakerRipley lists the following annual income limits, effective January 26, 2026.
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,940 |
| 2 people | $32,460 |
| 3 people | $40,980 |
| 4 people | $49,500 |
| 5 people | $58,020 |
| 6 people | $66,540 |
| 7 people | $75,060 |
| 8 people | $83,580 |
These figures correspond to 150% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines used for CEAP eligibility. For households with more than eight people, TDHCA lists an additional $8,520 for each additional person at the 150% level.
Proof of Income for the Last 30 Days
BakerRipley requires income information from the last 30 days for household members who are 18 or older.
Employment Wages
Recent employment income records.
Social Security
Social Security income documentation.
Supplemental Security Income
SSI income documentation.
Unemployment Benefits
Current unemployment documentation.
TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families records.
SNAP
SNAP benefit documentation.
Retirement Income
Current retirement income records.
Disability Income
Applicable disability income documentation.
Identification and Social Security Cards
BakerRipley requires identification verification for household members.
Acceptable Photo ID
- State driver’s license
- Passport
- Matricula Consular
- School ID
Social Security Documentation
- Physical Social Security card for every household member
- Social Security card plus U.S. Birth Certificate may be used instead of a photo ID
Citizenship and Legal Residency Documents
Citizenship or legal residency verification is required for all household members.
U.S. Passport
Accepted citizenship documentation.
Birth Certificate
U.S. or state-issued birth certificate.
Certificate of Naturalization
U.S. Certificate of Naturalization.
Permanent Resident Card
U.S. Permanent Resident Card, also known as a Green Card.
Your Current Utility Bill
Applicants must provide a clear copy of their most recent eligible utility bill.
- Electricity bill
- Natural gas bill
- Propane bill
The bill must clearly show your name, service address and amount due.
BakerRipley Utility Assistance Online Application 2026
The Utility Assistance Program began accepting online applications on Monday, September 14, 2026. The portal closes after 4,000 applications have been received.
Create an Account
Create or register an account using a working email address and mobile number.
Add Household Members
Enter every person living in the home and add email addresses for household members who are 18 or older.
Upload Documents
Upload income, identity, Social Security, residency and utility documents.
Submit
Review every file, submit one application and save the confirmation email and six-digit application number.
Open BakerRipley Application
How to Apply in Person
If you cannot complete the online application, contact the BakerRipley Utility Assistance Hotline.
Call 713-590-2327
The hotline can provide information about appointment availability and the current application process.
Appointments depend on enrollment schedules and available resources. Applicants should take all required documents to the appointment.
If a household member has no income, arrange the Workforce Solutions Wage Detail Inquiry before the appointment whenever possible.
What You Need Before Starting the Application
Prepare documents for every member of the household, including children.
Current Utility Bill
Electricity, gas or propane bill.
Income Documents
Income records from the previous 30 days.
Social Security Cards
Social Security cards for household members.
Identification
Required identification documents.
Residency Documents
Citizenship or legal residency documents.
Phone and Email
Working cell phone and email address.
Important BakerRipley Application Rules
Several requirements can affect whether an application is processed.
Only One Application Per Household
- One application per household and address per calendar year.
- Duplicate applications can cause delays.
- Add every household member before submitting.
Incomplete Applications Are Not Reviewed
- Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
- Missing documents can delay processing.
- Review your application carefully before submitting.
Working Cell Phone and Email
- A cell phone number is used to register and create the account.
- Email verification may include a one-time password.
- Use an email address you can access.
No SSN or ITIN
If neither the applicant nor household members have an SSN or ITIN, BakerRipley instructs applicants to call 713-590-2327 to arrange an in-person appointment.
How Long Does BakerRipley Take to Process an Application?
BakerRipley says applicants will receive written correspondence about the outcome of a submitted application within six weeks.
Keep Your Application Number
You may be able to see an update before the six-week period ends by using BakerRipley’s application-status option.
Check BakerRipley Utility Assistance Application Status
After submitting the application, you should receive a confirmation email containing your application number.
How to Check Your Status
- Open the official BakerRipley application-status page.
- Select your language.
- Enter your application number.
- Use the required format: Application-XXXXXX.
- Replace the Xs with your six-digit number.
- Click Submit.
- Review the status shown on the screen.
Application Number
Your confirmation email should contain the six-digit application number.
If you do not see the message, check your spam or junk folder.
Check StatusDoes BakerRipley Help With Water Bills?
Residents looking for water bill assistance should not apply for BakerRipley Utility Assistance expecting their water bill to be covered.
How Much Money Does BakerRipley Provide?
The amount of utility assistance varies by household. Being eligible does not mean BakerRipley will automatically pay the entire utility bill.
The assistance provided depends on applicable program rules, household circumstances, eligibility verification and available funds.
TDHCA’s CEAP program is designed to help meet the immediate energy-related needs of low-income households through local providers.
What Should You Do If BakerRipley Applications Are Closed?
If the application portal has reached its limit, do not repeatedly submit the same application.
Check BakerRipley Again
Keep checking BakerRipley’s utility assistance page for the next application period.
Look for Other Texas Assistance
TDHCA’s Help for Texans service can help residents search for utility bill payment assistance by county or city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BakerRipley help with water bills?
No. The program covers eligible electricity, natural gas or propane expenses, but not water bills.
Who is eligible for BakerRipley Utility Assistance?
The program is for eligible residents of Harris, Brazoria and Galveston counties who meet the income and documentation requirements.
What is the BakerRipley income limit for 2026?
The listed annual income limit is $23,940 for a one-person household and $49,500 for a four-person household. The eight-person limit is $83,580.
Can renters apply for utility assistance?
BakerRipley’s eligibility information focuses on location, income, documentation and utility requirements. Applicants should have the required documents ready and contact BakerRipley if they need clarification about their account or service address.
Can I submit multiple applications?
No. BakerRipley states that only one application should be submitted per household and address during the calendar year.
How can I check my BakerRipley application status?
Use the BakerRipley application-status page and enter your six-digit application number in the required format.
BakerRipley Utility Assistance: What to Remember
The BakerRipley Utility Assistance Program is specifically for eligible households in Harris, Brazoria and Galveston counties that need help with electricity, gas or propane costs.
For 2026, the published income limit starts at $23,940 for one person and reaches $83,580 for an eight-person household under the 150% federal poverty guideline used for CEAP.
Applicants should prepare current income records, identification, Social Security documentation, citizenship or legal residency documents, and a current eligible utility bill.
Because BakerRipley uses limited application windows, the online portal can close when the maximum number of applications is reached. Check the official BakerRipley page for the latest application information rather than relying on an old application date.
Official Sources
Use the official sources below to verify current program information.
BakerRipley Utility Assistance
Official BakerRipley Utility Assistance Page
Disclaimer: BakerRipleyAssistance.com is an independent informational website and is not BakerRipley. Program dates, eligibility rules, application limits and other information can change. Always verify current information with BakerRipley and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs before applying.