If you are affected by the Federal Government Shutdown, here are Texas-based resources available to you right now. This guide keeps things simple: manage cash flow, secure food and health coverage, keep your utilities on, and protect your housing.
NOTE: This information is gathered from public internet sources. Programs change; always click through, confirm details, and beware of scams (no fees to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, UI, housing, or 2-1-1). If something looks off, call the official numbers on the linked sites to verify before sharing personal info. This is not legal, financial, or life advice; seek licensed professionals for help.
🕐 What to do first (10-minute plan)
- Cash flow triage: File or reopen your Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) at twc.texas.gov, and certify weekly via your online portal.
- Food & health coverage: Apply for SNAP (Food Assistance), TANF, and Medicaid through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) at YourTexasBenefits.com. Check eligibility for WIC through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
- Keep the heat and lights on: Apply for LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) or Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) through your local Community Action Agency. Contact TXU Energy, CenterPoint Energy, or Oncor for hardship and bill assistance programs.
- Housing stability: Find rent and mortgage support through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and HUD Texas.
- One-stop referrals: Dial 2-1-1 Texas or visit 211texas.org for food, shelter, legal aid, and emergency bill help.
🔗 Links & Resources (Texas)
Income & Jobs
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC):
🔗 https://www.twc.texas.gov/
File or Reopen Claim (UI):
🔗 https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services
WorkInTexas.com (Job Search & Career Help):
🔗 https://www.workintexas.com/
Food Access
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program):
🔗 https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits
Apply via YourTexasBenefits:
🔗 https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/
WIC (Women, Infants & Children):
🔗 https://www.texaswic.org/
Feeding Texas (Find a Local Food Bank):
🔗 https://www.feedingtexas.org/
Health Coverage
Medicaid & CHIP:
🔗 https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip
Apply via YourTexasBenefits:
🔗 https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/
Community Health Centers:
🔗 https://txpca.org/find-a-health-center/
Heat, Utilities & Weatherization
LIHEAP / CEAP (Energy Assistance):
🔗 https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/community-affairs/ceap/
Weatherization Assistance Program:
🔗 https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/community-affairs/wap/
TXU Energy Aid Program:
🔗 https://www.txu.com/help/payment-assistance.aspx
CenterPoint Energy Assistance:
🔗 https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/residential/customer-service/billing-payment/payment-assistance
Oncor Assistance Resources:
🔗 https://www.oncor.com/content/oncorwww/en/home/help/bill-payment-assistance.html
Housing
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA):
🔗 https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/
HUD Texas:
🔗 https://www.hud.gov/states/texas
Rental & Mortgage Help:
🔗 https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/homeownership/fair-housing.htm
One-stop referrals
2-1-1 Texas:
🔗 https://www.211texas.org/
Community Action Agencies Directory:
🔗 https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/community-affairs/
Legal Help
Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC):
🔗 https://www.tlsc.org/
Lone Star Legal Aid:
🔗 https://lonestarlegal.org/
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas:
🔗 https://lanwt.org/
Disability Rights Texas:
🔗 https://disabilityrightstx.org/
Crafted by JobsInMyState.com in support of fellow Americans.