If you live in Shelby County and are unable to pay your electricity or gas bills, you are not alone. The Shelby County Community Services Agency (CSA) offers a utility assistance program to help families pay their electricity, heating, or cooling bills when money is tight.
This CSA Utility Assistance program is part of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and is designed to help low-income families maintain their electricity who need additional support.
The new LIHEAP program year will begin November 3, 2025. However, only emergency applications will be accepted. Regular LIHEAP assistance will not be processed until further notice.
What Is the CSA Utility Assistance Program?
The CSA Utility Assistance Program helps all Shelby County residents who are experiencing difficulty paying their energy bills and who are eligible for the Utility Assistance Program. It provides one-time financial assistance for electricity, gas, or other energy services.
The CSA Utility Assistance Program provides one-time financial assistance for energy costs. It is available in two types:
- Regular Assistance: The program provides assistance with normal energy costs throughout the year.
- Crisis Assistance: Provides immediate assistance if you have a utility service shutoff notice, broken appliances, or a limited fuel supply (less than seven days).
The amount of financial assistance you receive depends on eligibility criteria such as your income, family size, and energy usage. By 2025, benefit amounts typically range from $175 to $750 per household.
Who Can Apply for CSA Utility Assistance?
To qualify for the CSA Utility Assistance Program application, you or the applicants must meet the following requirements:
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- You must live in Shelby County, Tennessee.
- The utility account must be in your name. If your utilities are in your landlord’s name, you must submit a Landlord-Tenant Agreement form and a copy of your lease.
- Your household income must be at or below 60% of the Tennessee state median income.
- You must provide proof of identification for all household members.
- Only one benefit per household is allowed per program year. You can receive either regular assistance or crisis assistance, but not both.
Additional Requirements for Crisis Assistance
To receive CSA crisis assistance, your family must show the following qualifying emergency:
- A utility shut-off notice
- A broken heating or cooling system
- Less than a seven-day fuel supply
In addition, your household must include at least one of the following:
- A senior age 60 or older
- A child age 5 or younger
- A person with a disability
- A veteran or active military member
- A member facing an uncontrollable situation, like job loss or a medical emergency
Documents Required for CSA Application
When applying application form, you must make sure to have these essential documents ready:
- Photo ID for all adults
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Proof of income for the last 30 days or a zero-income statement
- Most recent utility bill or shut-off notice
- Lease and landlord form (if needed)
- Proof of disability, veteran status, or birth certificate for young children (if applicable)
Keep in mind that having your documents accurate helps avoid delays and increases your chances of approval.
How to Apply for the CSA Utility Assistance Application
Follow the simple steps to apply for the CSA Utility Assistance Application online.
- Go to the official CSA Utility Assistance page: shelbycountycsa.org/utility-assistance.
- Register an account using a valid email address. Each applicant must have their own email.
- Fill out the online Application form with accurate details such as household and income details.
- Upload the required documents to complete your CSA application.
- Finally, submit the applications before the monthly entry limit is reached.
After submitting the CSA utility assistance application online, your form will be reviewed by CSA staff.
Attention Gentlemen, senior citizens age 60 or older who are unable to complete the application independently or who require some form of accommodation, please call our call center at 901-222-4200.
How long does it take to get CSA utility assistance?
- Regular assistance can take up to 45 days to process.
- Emergency assistance applications are reviewed faster, usually within 2 business days, but it can take up to 90 days for payments to appear in your utility account.
If your application is denied, you will receive an email explaining the reason and instructions on how to appeal within 30 days.
How to Check CSA Utility Assistance Application Status?
You can easily check your CSA application status online
through the official CSA’s online portal – shelbycountycsa.org. Here is the step-by-step process.
- Step 1: Go to the official CSA utility assistance website (at www.shelbycountycsa.org for Shelby County).
- Click the “Check Your Application Status” button or similar link.
- Log in with your registered email or account information to view application status.
- You will be notified by email of approval, denial, or pending status; make sure to monitor your inbox for official communications.
Alternatively, you can track your status by contacting CSA at (901) 222-4200. And if you’re having trouble logging in or the link isn’t working, you can contact CSA at 901-222-4200 for assistance.
Why This Program Matters
For many families, especially those with elderly family members or parents with young children, this CSA utility assistance can be a means of staying safe and comfortable during extreme weather. It’s a lifeline and a helpful aid for anyone struggling with job loss, illness, or unexpected expenses.
Conclsuion
So, if you live in Shelby County and are struggling to pay your electricity bills, the CSA Utility Assistance Program may be helpful. Therefore, you must meet the eligibility criteria. Apply quickly, gather all the necessary documents, and submit your application online through the official CSA website.
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