Emergency & Hardship Grants in Texas
Texans facing financial emergencies can access federal and state grants for utility bills, housing, food, medical expenses, and disaster relief. With 1371 verified grant opportunities available, emergency assistance is available when you need it most—no repayment required.
Types of Emergency Grants in Texas
Utility & Housing Assistance
Emergency grants for electricity, gas, water bills, rent assistance, and eviction prevention for Texans facing utility shutoff or homelessness.
Food & Nutrition Support
SNAP benefits, emergency food pantries, LIHEAP food assistance, and meal programs for families experiencing food insecurity in Texas.
Disaster & Recovery Grants
FEMA disaster grants, disaster unemployment assistance, disaster housing, and recovery grants for Texans affected by hurricanes, floods, and storms.
Medical & Healthcare Hardship
Medicaid emergency coverage, hospital financial assistance, prescription cost help, and medical debt relief for uninsured or underinsured Texans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What emergency grants are available in Texas?
Texas residents can access federal LIHEAP (utility assistance), SNAP (food), Medicaid (healthcare), disaster grants (FEMA), and state emergency assistance programs. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission administers many programs. Federal grants are available to low-income Texans regardless of immigration status (some restrictions apply to certain benefits). Most programs prioritize households with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line.
How fast can I get emergency hardship grants in Texas?
LIHEAP utility assistance typically processes within 2-3 weeks of application. Emergency housing grants can process faster (1-2 weeks). Disaster grants from FEMA can be applied for immediately after a declared disaster (often same-day), with initial payments within days. Food assistance (SNAP) can be expedited to 7 days. Contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to inquire about rapid application processing.
What is LIHEAP and how do I apply in Texas?
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. In Texas, it's administered through local Community Action Agencies. Apply online through the Texas Health and Human Services portal or contact your local CAA office. You'll need proof of income, household composition, proof of residency, and utility bills. Priority is given to elderly, disabled, and very low-income households.
How do I get SNAP (food stamps) in Texas?
Apply for SNAP through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission portal (yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov) or visit your local HHSC office. You'll need your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and proof of income. Eligible households receive monthly benefits (average $180/person). Expedited SNAP provides benefits within 7 days. Income limits: a family of four earning less than $2,715/month typically qualifies.
Are there housing grants for eviction prevention in Texas?
Yes. The Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides grants to prevent eviction. Many cities and nonprofits also offer emergency housing grants. Contact your city's housing authority or nonprofit legal aid organization about emergency housing programs. Most programs help with past-due rent, utility deposits, and moving costs. Income eligibility is typically under 50% of area median income.
Can I get help with medical bills in Texas?
Texas Medicaid covers medical costs for eligible low-income Texans. Hospital financial assistance (charity care) is available at most hospitals for uninsured patients. Ask the hospital's billing department about financial hardship programs—many forgive bills for patients below poverty level. The Texas Department of Insurance offers patient advocacy assistance for coverage disputes.
What if I'm affected by a Texas disaster (hurricane, flood, etc.)?
Contact FEMA immediately after a federally declared disaster. FEMA Individual Assistance provides grants for housing repairs, temporary housing, and disaster-related expenses. Call 1-800-621-3362 or apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also contact your Texas state representative's office, which has staff to help with disaster assistance applications.
What income level qualifies for emergency hardship grants?
Most emergency assistance programs serve households under 150-200% of the federal poverty line (2024: $1,940/month for individuals, $3,980 for family of three). Some programs serve up to 250% of poverty. Income includes wages, Social Security, child support, and unemployment benefits. Household size matters—larger families can earn more and still qualify. Contact local agencies to check your specific household's eligibility.
5 Steps to Get Emergency Hardship Grants in Texas
- Assess Your Emergency: Identify your specific need (utility bills, housing, food, medical, disaster recovery). Different programs cover different emergencies. This helps you apply to the right programs first.
- Contact Texas HHS or Local Agencies: For most non-disaster assistance, start with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission portal (yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov) or your local HHS office. For utilities/housing, contact Community Action Agencies. For disasters, contact FEMA or your city.
- Gather Required Documents: Most programs require proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax return), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), Social Security numbers, and ID. For specific emergencies, bring documentation of the bill or expense. Having documents ready speeds up the application.
- Complete Applications: Apply online through the Texas HHS portal, in person at a local office, or by phone. Provide accurate household income and composition. Ask about expedited processing if you're in immediate crisis. Many programs can provide same-day emergency payments.
- Follow Up & Appeal: If denied, you have the right to appeal. Ask the agency for appeal procedures and deadlines. Contact your state representative's constituent services office—they can often help you navigate denials and reapply successfully.
Key Resources for Texas Emergency Assistance
Texas Health & Human Services Benefits Portal
Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and other emergency assistance in Texas. Check status of applications and manage your benefits.
FEMA Disaster Assistance
Apply for disaster relief grants in Texas after federally declared disasters. Call 1-800-621-3362 or apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
2-1-1 Texas Help Line
Dial 211 or visit 211.org to find local emergency assistance, food pantries, housing help, and crisis services in your Texas community.
Texas Community Action Partnership
Network of Community Action Agencies in Texas providing utility assistance, emergency grants, and community services to low-income Texans.
1371 Verified Grant Opportunities
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National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Neuromodulation/Neurostimulation Device Development for Mental Health Applications (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Risk and Protective Factors of Family Health and Family Level Interventions (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →BRAIN Initiative: Promoting Health for All Through BRAIN Technology Partnerships (R34 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP) for Health Professional Schools and Graduate Schools (R15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment or Prevention (SBIRT/P) for alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) use and misuse in adult populations that experience health disparities (R01, Clinical Trial Required)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Interventions to expand cancer screening and preventive services to ADVANCE health in populations that experience health disparities (R01, Clinical Trial Required)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →NLM Information Resource Grants to Reduce Health Disparities and Promote Health for All (G08 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
View Grant Details →Atlanta FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance
Department of Commerce
View Grant Details →Large Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Projects for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CARB)(R18)
Agency for Health Care Research and Quality
View Grant Details →Denver FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance
Department of Commerce
View Grant Details →Austin FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance
Department of Commerce
View Grant Details →Chicago FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance
Department of Commerce
View Grant Details →Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants
Rural Utilities Service
View Grant Details →Philadelphia FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance
Department of Commerce
View Grant Details →Leading Edge Acceleration Projects (LEAP) in Health Information Technology
Office of the National Coordinator
View Grant Details →NIST MEP Disaster Assessment Program
National Institute of Standards and Technology
View Grant Details →