Benefits · Utility Assistance
How to apply for Collier County Senior EHEAP + Emergency Rental Assistance
Collier County Community & Human Services Division — Services for Seniors Program (EHEAP) + Social Services Program (ERAP, Temporary Shelter Assistance)
Who it's for
Collier County's Community & Human Services Division administers multiple safety-net programs, with notably generous caps. The Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program for the Elderly (EHEAP) is the senior-specific energy crisis program for households with at least one member age 60 or older facing a past-due utility bill or shut-off notice. Distinctively, Collier's EHEAP offers up to $5,000 per year toward home heating or cooling bills AND up to $15,000 per year toward the PURCHASE of a new air conditioning system — these are dramatically higher caps than peer counties (Palm Beach EHEAP caps at $400/season, Volusia at $1,000/year). The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (funded by ARPA) provides up to $25,000 per qualifying applicant for past-due rent, mortgage, or utility bills, with eligibility for households at 81-140 percent of Area Median Income. Temporary Shelter Assistance provides short-term rental help for individuals with no income who are temporarily disabled and facing imminent eviction. Apply for any of these by calling (239) 252-CARE (2273) or 311 to reach a case manager.
Collier County's EHEAP is the most generous senior energy program in the catalog — up to $5,000/year for past-due utility bills AND up to $15,000/year for A/C system purchase, but each component is funding-cycle constrained and crisis-triggered. ERAP is COVID-era ARPA funding with a 81-140% AMI eligibility band and up to $25,000 per applicant; check current availability before applying because ARPA funds are finite. Temporary Shelter Assistance is specifically for individuals with no income and temporary disability — narrower scope. Apply via (239) 252-CARE (2273) or 311; case managers route applicants to the right program. For seniors, the EHEAP A/C purchase pathway is particularly important — Florida summer heat is a medical risk for older adults, and a working air conditioner is a safety necessity rather than a luxury.
What you'll need
- Government-issued photo ID for the applicant
- Proof of Collier County residency
- Proof of household income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, SSA-1099)
- Past-due utility bill or shut-off notice (for EHEAP energy assistance)
- Estimate or invoice for air conditioning system purchase (for EHEAP A/C purchase component)
- Eviction notice or lease (for Emergency Rental Assistance Program)
- Documentation of household composition (Social Security cards, family size)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 239-252-2273
Renewals
EHEAP up to $5,000/year for utility bills + up to $15,000/year for A/C purchase; ERAP up to $25,000 per qualifying applicant
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.