Benefits · Utility Assistance

How to apply for Lee County Human & Veteran Services LIHEAP + Emergency Aid

Lee County Department of Human & Veteran Services

Who it's for

Lee County's Department of Human & Veteran Services administers the county's safety-net assistance programs from its Fort Myers offices at 2440 Thompson Street. The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides energy-bill assistance to households at or below 60 percent of Florida's State Median Income (for households of 1-8) or 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (for households of 9 or more). Applicants must be Lee County residents, U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents or qualified aliens, and have a direct utility bill or pay non-subsidized rent that includes utilities. The LeeCares Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides additional rent and utility help — more information at LeeFLCares.com. LIHEAP applications are accepted online; telephone screenings can be requested by calling (239) 533-7996. Spanish-language LIHEAP assistance is available at (239) 533-7900.

Lee County's LIHEAP and Emergency Rental Assistance are demand-constrained — submitting an application does NOT guarantee approval; eligibility is determined based on program requirements and the availability of funds. The income gate modeled (~60% Florida State Median Income for a 1-person household ≈ $36,000 for 2026) is the LIHEAP threshold; the LeeCares ERAP cap is similar. The Department of Human & Veteran Services also serves as the entry point for the Lee County Special Needs Program (emergency-shelter pre-registration for residents with disabilities) and Continuum of Care homelessness response. Apply online via leegov.com/dhs/assistance, call (239) 533-7996 for telephone screening, or call (239) 533-7900 for Spanish-language assistance.

What you'll need

Photo ID for all household members age 18 and over
Documentation of the entire household's gross income within the last 30 days
Proof of Lee County residency
Proof of U.S. citizenship, legal permanent residency, or qualified alien status
Current utility bill or non-subsidized rent receipt (where rent includes utilities)
Social Security cards for household members

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 239-533-7996

Renewals

LIHEAP available subject to funding availability; LeeCares ERAP in funding-cycle rounds

Official source →Last verified · May 29, 2026

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