Benefits · Emergency Aid

How to apply for Hendry County Social Services — LIHEAP + CSBG Emergency Aid

Hendry County Social Services — a department of the Hendry County Board of County Commissioners; administers LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) + Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) emergency aid programs locally for Hendry County residents; funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Florida Department of Commerce

Who it's for

Hendry County Social Services is the local Hendry BoCC department administering the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) emergency aid for Hendry County residents. The Florida LIHEAP income gate is set at 60 percent of the State Median Income. LIHEAP provides financial assistance for electric bills, deposits, and past-due utility bills to eligible households. Senior-headed households receive application priority under federal LIHEAP rules. Hendry's BoCC-department delivery model is structurally distinctive — most peer FL counties use independent Community Action Agency nonprofits (NFCAA, TCCA, CACAA, CFCAA, CAPC, etc.) for LIHEAP delivery. The BoCC department model means Hendry's LIHEAP is integrated with the broader Hendry County Social Services umbrella that handles housing assistance, food pantry referrals, and other CSBG-funded emergency aid. Apply by visiting Hendry County Social Services in LaBelle or by calling 863-674-4040. Senior-pathway applicants can also access LIHEAP referrals via AAASWFL's ElderHelpline at 1-866-413-5337.

Hendry County Social Services administers Hendry 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 BoCC-department delivery model means LIHEAP is integrated with broader Hendry County Social Services intake — applicants may also access CSBG self-sufficiency programs, housing assistance referrals, and food pantry connections through the same department. For Hendry seniors who prefer a senior-pathway intake, AAASWFL's ElderHelpline (1-866-413-5337) can provide LIHEAP application coordination consolidated with senior services intake.

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 Hendry 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: 863-674-4040

Renewals

annual regular benefit + crisis benefits per program year

Official source →Last verified · June 4, 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.