Benefits · Emergency Aid
How to apply for Citrus County Housing Services LIHEAP + Emergency Aid
Citrus County Community Services Department (Housing Services Division) — administers LIHEAP funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Florida Department of Commerce; coordinates with United Way of Citrus County for broader emergency aid
Who it's for
Citrus County Community Services Department's Housing Services Division administers the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Citrus County residents, plus walk-in utility bill assistance for eligible households. LIHEAP helps qualifying low-income homeowners and renters pay for a portion of primary heating and cooling costs — and it is the same Citrus County agency that delegates housing services for neighboring Sumter County (Section 8 administration). Benefit amounts range from $200 to $700 per household depending on family size and income. Crisis assistance is available only if the household is delinquent in utility bills, has received a shut-off notice, is without power, and has not received crisis assistance in the past year — crisis benefit up to $600. Eligible households can receive one regular benefit per program year plus one crisis benefit. LIHEAP is administered by appointment only and is first-come-first-served as funding is limited. Beyond LIHEAP, Citrus County Housing Services administers other community services programs and partners with the United Way of Citrus County and local utility providers for additional emergency aid. Apply by calling 352-527-7520 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Citrus County LIHEAP is administered by appointment only and on a first-come-first-served basis — funds can exhaust mid-year. Apply early in the season for the strongest chance of award. Florida LIHEAP uses 60% of State Median Income as the income gate (the modeled $35,000 figure approximates 60% SMI for a single-person Florida household 2026; scaled up by household size). Senior-headed households are given application priority. Regular benefit range $200-$700; crisis benefit up to $600 — total maximum approximately $1,300 in a worst-case household-year. Beyond LIHEAP, Citrus County Housing Services partners with the United Way of Citrus County, Citrus County Citizens Service Office (211 referral), and local utility providers for additional emergency assistance. Citrus County's housing services delegate also administers Sumter County's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program (sub-administrator role), so the same agency office serves both counties.
What you'll need
- Proof of all household income (Social Security award letter, pension statement, pay stubs, SSI award letter)
- Current energy bill (electric or gas)
- Photo identification
- Proof of Citrus County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
- Documentation of household members and ages
- For crisis benefits: shutoff notice or service-disconnection documentation
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 352-527-7520
Renewals
annual regular benefit + one crisis benefit per program year
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.