Local governments and community organizations in Florida provide home energy assistance, known as LIHEAP, to help pay energy bills.
Who is eligible?
LIHEAP assists households that have incomes below 150 percent of the federal poverty level and need assistance in order to pay their power bills. Households may receive a maximum of one LIHEAP crisis benefit payment during the heating season (October to March), and a second crisis payment during the cooling season (April to September). In addition, households may receive one non-emergency payment per year. Usually, more than 80,000 households per year receive LIHEAP assistance in Florida. Priority in services is given to households with children under age 5 and elderly or disabled members.
What benefits are provided?
LIHEAP provides assistance to low-income consumers who need help paying their utility bills. The amount of payment assistance depends upon the number of people in the household and the household income.
How do I apply?
You may apply for LIHEAP through the agency that administers the LIHEAP program in your area. There are about three dozen of these agencies in Florida, consisting of community action agencies, local governments and various nonprofit organizations. To identify the agency that services your area, call your local power company; your local government information number; local referral agencies such as Area Agencies on Aging, community action agencies, United Way, and counseling and referral services (such as 2-1-1); and the Florida Public Service Commission’s toll-free consumer information number, 1-800-342-3552. Additional information may be found at www.FloridaJobs.org/LIHEAP.
