Benefits · Emergency Aid

How to apply for Capital Area Community Action Agency LIHEAP (Jefferson County)

Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc. (CACAA) — designated Community Action Agency for the Capital Area region of North Florida; 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

Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc. (CACAA) is the designated Community Action Agency administering the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Jefferson County. CACAA'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. Notable: applicants are automatically qualified for LIHEAP if they participate in SNAP (food stamps), TANF, or SSI through Social Security — this auto-qualification pathway is unusually generous and streamlines applications for many low-income seniors. Applicants who do not auto-qualify must complete an online or mail-in application; processing typically takes up to 45 days. Senior-headed households receive priority. For Jefferson County seniors who prefer a senior-pathway intake, Jefferson Council on Aging at 1-800-963-5337 also serves as a referral point that consolidates with the senior nutrition program.

CACAA administers Jefferson County LIHEAP with a distinctive SNAP/TANF/SSI auto-qualification pathway. The full application processing can take up to 45 days. 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. CACAA's regional service area includes Tallahassee — Jefferson seniors near the Leon County border may find Tallahassee intake sites geographically closer than any Jefferson-based site. Big Bend Transit (fl.jefferson.big_bend_transit_jefferson) coordinates transportation to a regional CACAA intake site if needed.

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 Jefferson County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
Documentation of household members and ages
For deposit assistance: lease showing required deposit; for crisis assistance: shutoff notice
AUTOMATIC QUALIFICATION pathway: documentation of current SNAP, TANF, or SSI participation

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 850-222-2043

Renewals

annual regular benefit + crisis benefits per program year

Official source →Last verified · June 3, 2026

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