In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Reliant CARE program, including how it works, who qualifies, how to apply, and how it fits with other utility assistance options in Texas.

1. What is the Reliant CARE Program?

The Reliant CARE program is an emergency bill-payment assistance initiative funded by Reliant Energy, a major Texas electricity provider and part of the NRG Energy family.

Its core goal is to help Reliant customers who are facing a temporary crisis—such as job loss, a medical emergency, natural disaster, or other unexpected financial strain—by covering part or all of a past-due electric bill.

Key facts about the CARE program:

• It offers one-time or short-term financial help to prevent service disconnection or restore electricity.
• The funds are not distributed directly by Reliant, but through local nonprofits and social service agencies across Texas.
• Since the early 2000s, Reliant has distributed millions of dollars through the program to help struggling households.
• Some materials now describe CARE as part of NRG’s broader Customer Assistance and Relief for Electricity efforts—but the core purpose remains the same: emergency bill help for Reliant customers.

“We’re committed to keeping the power on for Texans in need. The CARE program is one way we give back to the communities we serve.” — Reliant Energy

2. Who Qualifies for the CARE Program?

Eligibility for the Reliant CARE program is determined by the partner agencies that administer the funds—not by Reliant directly. However, there are some general requirements that most applicants will need to meet.

Basic CARE eligibility includes:

• You must be a current Reliant Energy customer, either prepaid or postpaid.
• You must be experiencing a documented financial hardship, such as:
  • Loss of income or job
  • Serious illness or injury
  • Natural disaster (e.g., flood, hurricane, freeze)
  • Domestic crisis or emergency
• Your income must typically fall within low-income guidelines, often based on the federal poverty level or state-specific criteria used by programs like LIHEAP or CEAP.

Important: Because CARE is managed by local agencies, the exact documentation and income limits can vary by county or city. For example, what qualifies as “low income” in Harris County might differ from Travis or Hidalgo County.

For detailed eligibility, you’ll need to contact a local agency—more on that below.

3. What Kind of Help Does CARE Provide?

The Reliant CARE program provides emergency, short-term financial assistance. It's not a recurring subsidy, but a one-time intervention designed to keep you connected or restore power during a crisis.

What assistance usually includes:

• One-time bill payment or pledge made directly to your Reliant Energy account.
• Deferred payment plans or extensions (especially during disasters) — see the article on Reliant payment extension & avoid shutoff.
• Waiver of late fees in qualifying hardship situations.

This type of help can often be enough to prevent disconnection, restore power, or buy time while you get back on your feet.

Note: CARE does not provide ongoing monthly support. It’s meant for emergency relief only.

4. How to Apply for the Reliant CARE Program

Reliant does not accept CARE applications directly by phone or online. Instead, customers must go through local partner agencies that have access to CARE funding.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Call 2-1-1 (Texas Health & Human Services Helpline)
   • Say: “I’m a Reliant customer seeking CARE bill assistance.”
   • They’ll refer you to local nonprofit or social service agencies in your area.
2. Visit 211texas.org
   • Search for terms like “utility assistance”, “Reliant CARE”, or your city/county.
   • Results will include agencies that participate in the program.
3. Contact local nonprofits directly
   • Many familiar names administer CARE funds including Catholic Charities, BakerRipley, Arlington Urban Ministries, Community Action Agencies, Salvation Army and United Way affiliates.
4. Stuck? Call Reliant Customer Service
   • Dial 1-866-222-7100
   • Or use the chat feature on Reliant.com
   • Ask for help locating CARE agencies near you.

Documents you may need to apply:

Required Item	Examples
Reliant Account Number	Found on your bill or online account
Photo ID	Driver’s license, state ID
Proof of Income	Pay stubs, unemployment, SNAP/TANF letters
Proof of Hardship	Layoff letter, medical bill, disaster notice

5. CARE + Other Assistance Programs

The Reliant CARE program is often stacked with other utility assistance programs to maximize support. Many agencies help customers combine different programs to fully cover a past-due bill.

Other programs that may help:

Program	Description
LIHEAP / CEAP	Federal/state-funded utility aid for low-income households as described by PUC Texas.
Reliant Deferred Plans	Repayment plans for past-due balances. Also referenced on the How to get a Reliant payment extension & avoid shut-off page.
Average Billing	A way to stabilize your monthly payments with Reliant.
Disaster Assistance	Additional relief during floods, freezes, hurricanes, etc.

When speaking with an agency, ask about all programs available—you may qualify for multiple layers of support.

6. Quick Summary: Reliant CARE Program Basics

Short on time? Here’s a snapshot:

• What it is: Emergency bill-payment help for Reliant Energy customers facing hardship.
• Who runs it: Local nonprofits and social service agencies, funded by Reliant/NRG.
• How to apply:
  • Call 2-1-1 in Texas or visit 211texas.org.
  • Ask about Reliant CARE assistance.
  • Or contact Reliant to be connected to a local agency.
• What you get: Usually a one-time payment or credit to help avoid disconnection or restore service.

FAQs About the Reliant CARE Program

What is the Reliant CARE Program?

The Reliant CARE Program is a bill-assistance initiative from Reliant Energy that provides one-time financial aid to Texas customers facing hardship. The funds are distributed through local nonprofit agencies, not directly by Reliant.

Who can apply for CARE assistance?

You must be a current Reliant customer and be experiencing a qualifying hardship, such as job loss, illness, or a disaster. Eligibility also depends on income and varies by local agency.

How do I apply for Reliant CARE?

Start by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211texas.org to find local agencies handling CARE applications. You’ll need documents like your Reliant account number, ID, and proof of hardship/income.

Does CARE cover my full bill?

CARE typically covers enough to stop disconnection or restore service, but not always the full balance. It may be combined with other programs like LIHEAP, CEAP, or payment plans from Reliant.

Can I get CARE more than once?

CARE is usually limited to a one-time assistance per crisis, but you may qualify again under new hardship circumstances. Check with your local agency for details.

Conclusion: CARE Offers a Lifeline When You Need It Most

Financial hardship can strike anyone—but losing electricity shouldn’t be part of the fallout. The Reliant CARE program gives Texas customers a lifeline during emergencies, offering fast and meaningful help to keep your power on.

Whether you’re dealing with job loss, medical bills, or a natural disaster, don’t wait until the lights go out. CARE, combined with other local and federal programs, could provide the critical support you need to get through.

Next Steps

Here’s what to do now if you’re a Reliant customer in need of help:

1. Call 2-1-1 in Texas and ask for Reliant CARE assistance.
2. Visit 211texas.org and search for utility assistance in your area.
3. Gather required documents, including your Reliant bill, ID, and proof of hardship.
4. Apply through a local agency and ask about stacking programs like LIHEAP or CEAP.
5. Contact Reliant to discuss payment extensions or flexible billing options.

If you’d like more localized listings of energy assistance by county, see the Texas-specific page on Utility & Energy Assistance Programs in Texas.