Benefits · Emergency Aid
How to apply for Lake Community Action Agency LIHEAP + Emergency Aid (Lake County)
Lake Community Action Agency, Inc. (Lake CAA) — designated Community Action Agency for Lake County; administers LIHEAP funded by the Florida Department of Commerce / U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; partners with Lake County government and United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
Who it's for
Lake Community Action Agency, Inc. (Lake CAA) is the designated Community Action Agency for Lake County and administers the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Lake County residents. LIHEAP prevents interruption of electric and gas service for low-income households, particularly those living with seniors, children under 5, and disabled individuals. Eligible applicants must have a total household income of no more than 60% of the Florida State Median Income — a threshold that captures most retired seniors living on Social Security alone or modest pension+SS combinations. Eligible households may receive one regular home energy benefit per 12-month period, plus one crisis benefit during the heating season and one crisis benefit during the cooling season (so up to three separate LIHEAP payments per year in the worst-case household). In addition to LIHEAP, Lake CAA partners with Lake County government and United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties to deliver rental assistance, weatherization referrals, and other emergency aid. The Lake County Housing Services Department administers separate rental assistance, and the Florida Department of Children and Families administers emergency food assistance. Apply through Lake CAA's office; call 1-850-717-8450 for assistance locating your nearest CAA application site.
LIHEAP is administered by Lake CAA 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 are given application priority. Crisis benefits require documented service disconnection or shutoff notice. Lake CAA also administers other community services beyond LIHEAP — rental assistance is delivered separately through Lake County Housing Services. United Way 211 (211lakecounty.org) is the broader information referral source for emergency assistance beyond what Lake CAA + Lake County government cover.
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 Lake 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: 1-850-717-8450
Renewals
annual regular benefit + up to two crisis benefits (heating + cooling) 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.