Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)

The Chinese Community Center (CCC), in collaboration with Frontier Energy and CenterPoint, offers no-cost assistance for the replacement of existing electric resistance HVAC systems (including central air conditioning units or window units) with new, high-efficiency energy upgrades. These upgrades are designed to reduce peak demand and annual energy consumption for income-eligible multifamily households served by CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric. To qualify for the program, households must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined below.

Eligibilities

• Reside within the 2025 Qualified Census Tracts (QCT) or Difficult Development Areas (DDA); and
• Possess at least one of the public benefits listed under the required documents section; and
• Demonstrate a gross income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

 

Process

• Step 1：Schedule an Appointment
• Step 2：Direct interview
• Step 3：Application Completion & Submission
• Step 4：Application Review & Direct Assessment
• Step 5：Assistance Confirmation & Delivery

 

Notes:

• CenterPoint will conduct the assessment and inspection directly at the applicant’s residence
• Households must provide documentation, receipts, or proof of prior repairs or servicing of their air conditioning unit.
• Renters must obtain prior approval from their landlord or property owner before applying for the program.

Required Documents: (all pages of documents must be in paper & applying for all household members)

• 1. Proof of Identification/Citizenship (one or more following documents):
  • Valid Texas ID/Driver license (for individuals aged 18 and above)
  • US Passport, US Birth Certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, or Valid Permanent Resident Card

   

• 2. Proof of Income (one or more of the following valid documents):

a. Applicants must demonstrate enrollment in at least one of the following public benefits, providing all pages of relevant documentation:

• Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
• Housing Assistances (Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8 Voucher)
• Food Assistances (SNAP/Food Stamps or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservation)
• Veteran Assistances (Veteran Pension Benefit, Survivors Pension Benefit, or Survivors Benefit Program)
• Insurance Programs (Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare – QMB/SLMB/QI/QDWI)
• Utility Assistance Program (LIHEAP or CEAP)
• National School Lunch Program – Free Lunch Program
• Financial Assistance Programs (TANF, Tribal TANF, or Supplemental Security Income – SSI)
• Other Programs (Texas Lifeline Discount or Tribal Head Start)

b. For households with additional income sources, one or more of the following documents (all pages included) must be provided

• Pay stubs or checks from the last 30 days
• 2025 SSA, RSDI, or SSDI Award Letters, or Monthly Pension Award Letter
• Self-employment income records
• Other income documentation (e.g., Monthly Child Support Statement or other income sources)

 

• 3. Utility bills (last 30 days): electricity and/or gas

 

• Notes:
  • An appointment must be scheduled prior to attending the interview
  • Applications are processed exclusively in person at CCC’s office and cannot be submitted via phone or mail.
  • Documents stored online or on mobile devices must be printed or presented as original paper copies during the appointment.

Program Schedules

• Every Tuesday and Thursday | 9.00 am – 12.00 pm

The Chinese Community Center (CCC) offers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also referred to as the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP) or Food Stamps, an annual Federal Benefit Program designed to assist individuals and families in purchasing essential food items to support their health on a monthly basis. Applicants may apply for the first time or renew their benefits upon expiration at no cost through our office. Eligibility criteria and required documentation for the program are detailed below for applicants’ reference.

Eligibilities

• Be legal residents of Texas;
• Be classified as low-income individuals or households;
• For SNAP: be aged of 59 years or younger;
• For TSAP: be aged of 60 years and older, or be an individual with disabilities and with no income

Required Documents (all pages of documents in papers and only applied for HH members applying benefits)

• Proof of Citizenship: US Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, US Birth Certificate, or Valid Permanent Resident Card
• Proof of Identification: Texas Driver’s License or ID, Social Security Card, or Hospital Records
• Proof of Incomes:
  • 2025 Social Security Award Letters (SSA, SSI, SSDI, or RSDI)
  • Last 30-day Paystubs or checks
  • Last 90-day Bank Statements
  • 2025 Pension or Retirement Letter
  • 2025 Child Support Letter
  • 2025 Veteran Award Letter
  • 2025 Unemployment Statement
  • Current Self-Employment Tax Return (IRS Form 1040 or 1040A)
  • Cash Income Documentation
  • Any additional documents verifying income or no income
• Proof of Residency & Expenses:
• Last 30-day Utility bills (front & back): Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet, Phone, or Sewer
• Leasing or Mortgage contract or Statement
• Medical bills (from doctors, hospitals, or pharmacies)
• Vehicle Insurance Documentation
• Notes:
  • An appointment must be scheduled prior to attending the interview
  • Applications are processed exclusively in person at CCC’s office and cannot be submitted via phone or mail.
  • Documents stored online or on mobile devices must be printed or presented as original paper copies during the appointment.

Program Schedules

• Every Tuesday and Thursday | 9.00 am – 12.00 pm

The Chinese Community Center (CCC) offers the Harris Health Financial Assistance Program (commonly referred to as the Gold Card), which provides financial assistance for medical support exclusively to individuals and families residing in Harris County. This program may be applied for the first time or renewed at no cost through our office. Applicants may refer to the eligibility criteria and required documentation outlined below for further details.

Eligibilities

• Be legal residents of Harris County (Texas);
• Gross income must be at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines;

Required Documents: (all documentation must be in paper, and is applicable only to household members applying for benefits)

• Proof of Citizenship: US Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, US Birth Certificate, or Valid Permanent Resident Card
• Proof of Identification: Texas Driver’s License or ID, Social Security Card, or Hospital Records
• Proof of Incomes:
  • 2025 Social Security Award Letters (SSA, SSI, SSDI, or RSDI)
  • Last 30-day Pay-stubs or Checks
  • 2025 SNAP / Food Stamps / TANF Award Letter
  • 2025 Pension / Retirement letter
  • 2025 Child Support Letter
  • 2025 Veteran Award Letter
  • 2025 Unemployment Statement
  • Current Self-Employment Tax Return (IRS Form 1040 or 1040A)
  • Cash Income Documentation
  • Last 60-day Income from Rental Property
  • Marriage Certificate or other proof of marriage (if both husband and wife apply)
  • Any additional documents verifying income or no income
• Proof of Residency & Expenses: (one or more of following documents dated within 60 days)
  • Utility bills (front and back): Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet, Phone, or Sewer
  • Credit Card Statements
  • Medicare / Medicaid Letters
  • Medical bills (from doctors, hospitals, or pharmacies)
  • Leasing or Mortgage or Loans Contract or Statement
  • Vehicle Insurance Documentation
• Notes:
  • An appointment must be scheduled prior to attending the interview
  • Applications are processed exclusively in person at CCC’s office and cannot be submitted via phone or mail.
  • Documents stored online or on mobile devices must be printed or presented as original paper copies during the appointment.

Program Schedules

• Every Tuesday and Thursday | 9.00 am – 12.00 pm

The Chinese Community Center (CCC) offers the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) benefit services, a Federal Benefit Program designed to provide financial assistance for medical support to individuals and families. This program may be applied for initially or renewed upon expiration at no cost through our office. Applicants may refer to the eligibility criteria and required documentation outlined below for additional information.

Eligibilities

• Be legal residents of Texas, either under the age of 18 or aged 65 and older;
• Be classified as low-income individuals or households

 

Service Programs

• Medicaid and CHIP for Children (for individuals aged 18 and under);
• Medicaid for Children with Disabilities;
• Medicaid for People with Disabilities who are working;
• Medicaid for Elderly and People with Disabilities who are not working

Required Documents: (all documentation must be in paper, and is applicable only to household members applying for benefits)

• Proof of Citizenship: US Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, US Birth Certificate, or Valid Permanent Resident Card
• Proof of Identification: Texas Driver’s License or ID, Social Security Card, Hospital Records, or Vaccine Card
• Proof of Income (for household members aged 18 and older):
  • 2025 Social Security Award Letters (SSA, SSI, SSDI, or RSDI)
  • Last 60-day Paystubs or checks or self-employment records
  • Last 90-day Bank Statements
  • 2025 SNAP / Food Stamps Pension / TANF Award Letter
  • 2025 Pension or Retirement Letter
  • 2025 Child Support letter (if you get), District Clerk Payment Record
  • 2025 Veteran Award Letter
  • 2025 Unemployment Statement or Worker’s Compensation
  • Cash Income Documentation
  • Any additional documents verifying income or no income
• Proof of Residency & Expenses (one or more following documents dated within 30 days):
  • Utility bills (front and back): Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet, Phone, or Sewer
  • Leasing or Mortgage or Contract or Statement
  • Medical bills (from doctors, hospitals, or pharmacies)
  • 2025 Child Support letter, District Record, or Divorce decree (if you pay)
• Notes:
  • An appointment must be scheduled prior to attending the interview
  • Applications are processed exclusively in person at CCC’s office and cannot be submitted via phone or mail.
  • Documents stored online or on mobile devices must be printed or presented as original paper copies during the appointment.

Program Schedules

• Every Tuesday and Thursday | 9.00 am – 12.00 pm

The Chinese Community Center (CCC) offers the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program, commonly referred to as WIC, a State Benefit Program designed to assist pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as families with children under the age of 5, in purchasing essential foods, milk, and vegetables for women, infants, and children. This program may be applied for the first time or renewed upon expiration at no cost through the CCC office. Applicants may consult the eligibility criteria and required documentation detailed below for further information.

Eligibilities

• Be legal residents of Texas;
• Be classified as low-income individuals or households.
• If you or your children are recipients of Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you automatically meet the income eligibility standards for WIC. However, even if you are not enrolled in these programs, you may still be eligible for WIC provided your household satisfies the applicable income guidelines. Participation in other benefit programs does not influence the level of WIC benefits you are entitled to receive.

Required Documents (all documentation must be in paper, and is applicable only to household members applying for benefits)

• Proof of Citizenship: US Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, US Birth Certificate, or Valid Permanent Resident Card
• Proof of Identification: Texas Driver’s License or ID, Social Security Card, or Hospital Records
• Proof of Income (for household members aged 18 and older):
  • 2025 Social Security Award Letters (SSA, SSI, SSDI, or RSDI)
  • Last 30-day Pay stubs or checks or Self-employment records
  • Last 30-day Bank Statements
  • 2025 SNAP / Food Stamps / TANF Award Letter
  • 2025 Pension or Retirement Award Letter
  • 2025 Child Support Letter
  • 2025 Veteran Award Letter
  • 2025 Unemployment Statement or Worker’s Compensation
  • Current Self-Tax Return IRS 1040/1040A
  • Cash Income Documentation
  • Any additional documents verifying income or no income
• Proof of Residency & Expenses (one or more of following documents dated within 30 days):
• Utility bills (front and back): Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet, Phone, or Sewer
• Leasing or Mortgage Contract or Statement
• Medical bills (from doctors, hospitals, or pharmacies)
• Vehicle Insurance Documentation
• Notes:
  • An appointment must be scheduled prior to attending the interview
  • Applications are processed exclusively in person at CCC’s office and cannot be submitted via phone or mail.
  • Documents stored online or on mobile devices must be printed or presented as original paper copies during the appointment.

Program Schedules

• Every Tuesday and Thursday | 9.00 am – 12.00 pm

The Chinese Community Center (CCC) offers the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), a Federal Benefit Program designed to provide financial assistance for medical support to individuals and families. This program may be applied for the first time or renewed upon expiration at no cost through our office. Applicants may review the eligibility criteria and required documentation outlined below for additional details.

Eligibilities & Service Programs

• Be legal residents of Texas, either under the age of 18 or aged 65 and older;
• Be classified as low-income individuals or households.

 

Service programs

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB)
• Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB)
• Qualifying Individuals (QI-1)
• Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI)

 

• Notes: a person is not eligible for MSP coverage if she or he
  • is in the custody of penal authorities; or
  • is over age 20 and under age 65 and lives in an institution for mental diseases (IMD)

Required Documents (all documentation must be in paper, and is applicable only to household members applying for benefits)

• Proof of Citizenship:US Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or US Birth Certificate
• Proof of Identification:Texas Driver’s License or ID, Social Security Card, Hospital Record or Vaccine Card (for individuals under age 18)
• Proof of Income (for household members aged 18 and older):
  • 2025 Social Security Award Letters (SSA, SSI, SSDI, or RSDI)
  • Last 30-day Pay stubs or checks or Self-employment records
  • Last 90-day Bank Statements
  • 2025 Pension or Retirement Award letter
  • 2025 SNAP / Food Stamps / TANF Award letter
  • 2025 Child Support documents (letter, divorce decree, court order, etc.)
  • 2025 Veteran Award Letter
  • 2025 Unemployment Statement or Worker’s Compensation
  • Cash Income Documentation
  • Any additional documents verifying income or no income
• Proof of Residency and Expenses (one or more of following documents dated within 30 days):
• Utility bills (front and back): Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet, Phone, or Sewer
• Leasing or Mortgage or Loans Contract or Statement
• Medical bills (from doctors, hospitals, or pharmacies)
• Insurance policies showing the current value: life, burial, health
• Stocks, bonds, trust, annuities statements or certificates
• Current Loans agreement, statement that someone re-paying bills for you with that person’s name, address, phone, signature and Gifts (included someone paying bills for you)
• Notes:
  • An appointment must be scheduled prior to attending the interview
  • Applications are processed exclusively in person at CCC’s office and cannot be submitted via phone or mail.
  • Documents stored online or on mobile devices must be printed or presented as original paper copies during the appointment.

Program Schedules

• Every Tuesday and Thursday | 9.00 am – 12.00 pm

The Chinese Community Center (CCC) offers additional assistance services, extending support to individuals and families seeking further resources related to public benefits. This assistance is provided in person at no cost at CCC’s office. Applicants may refer to the information detailed below prior to visiting for support.

Free Services

• Benefits Counseling: assists individuals and families in comprehending public benefit programs, offering guidance on the application process, maintaining eligibility, and navigating the associated systems effectively.
• Computer Usage Hours: access to computers is provided for a variety of purposes, including researching public benefit programs online, monitoring the status of online applications, and establishing system or email accounts, among other activities.
• Digital Skills Training: designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to utilize computers and digital tools proficiently. Topics covered may include foundational computer literacy, online safety practices, email management, and proficiency with applications such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Documents Preparation or Follow-up Assistance: support with drafting, editing, scanning, or completing essential documents required during the application process for public benefit programs at the Chinese Community Center (CCC). This service also extends to follow-up assistance after an application has been submitted.
• Documents Printing/Copying: assists for printing or copying documents, often to aid individuals in preparing materials necessary for public benefit program applications or completing forms need to be filled out before submission.
• Benefit Resources Navigation: facilitates the identification and understanding of various public and private benefit programs available to individuals and families. It includes assistance in locating these resources, determining the support required, and establishing connections with relevant agencies or platforms.

Documents & Information

• Information Required to Request Assistance: details and inquiries necessary to seek support.
• Documents Required for Assistance: relevant paperwork, including applications, letters, statements, notices, receipts, and bills, as applicable.
• Additional Items for Clarification and Support: other materials requiring clarification or assistance, such as public benefits cards or related information.

 

Notes:

• Scheduling an appointment is mandatory prior to visiting.
• Services are provided exclusively in person at the Chinese Community Center’s (CCC) office and are not available via telephone or mail.
• Applicants are requested to prepare and present all necessary documents to program staff for assistance.

Service Schedules

• Every Tuesday and Thursday | 9.00 am – 12.00 pm