Benefits · Emergency Aid

How to apply for Central Florida Community Action Agency LIHEAP (Columbia County)

Central Florida Community Action Agency, Inc. (CFCAA) — designated Community Action Agency serving Columbia County and broader Central Florida region; administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) including crisis-response for shutoffs and weather emergencies; funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Florida Department of Commerce

Who it's for

Central Florida Community Action Agency, Inc. (CFCAA) is the designated Community Action Agency administering the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Columbia County. CFCAA's LIHEAP provides assistance to low-income households to help pay energy expenses, including crisis relief for emergency situations. The Florida LIHEAP income gate is set at 60 percent of the State Median Income. Senior-headed households receive application priority under federal LIHEAP rules. Applications can be submitted online or by visiting CFCAA's office; processing typically takes up to 45 days. For Columbia County seniors who prefer a senior-pathway intake, Columbia County Senior Services (fl.columbia.ccss_meals_and_alzheimer_care) at 386-755-0235 also serves as a referral point that consolidates with Meals on Wheels and senior services enrollment.

CFCAA administers Columbia County LIHEAP on a first-come-first-served basis — funds can exhaust mid-year. Apply EARLY in the cooling season (typically February-March) and heating season (typically November-December) 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 receive application priority. CFCAA's regional service area extends beyond Columbia to surrounding Central Florida counties — Lake City seniors may travel to CFCAA's main office in Gainesville (Alachua) for intake if the local Columbia office hours don't fit. The 45-day processing window means routine applications should be planned ahead of seasonal needs.

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) and any past-due notices
Photo identification
Proof of Columbia County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
Documentation of household members and ages (especially seniors, disabled, children under 6 for priority)
For deposit assistance: lease showing required deposit; for crisis assistance: shutoff notice

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 352-373-7667

Renewals

annual regular benefit + crisis benefits per program year

Official source →Last verified · June 3, 2026

Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.

Find my benefits

Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.