Benefits · Utility Assistance
How to apply for Okeechobee LIHEAP + Senior Electric Bill + SHIP Emergency Repair
Okeechobee County Community Services Department + Okeechobee LIHEAP partner + Salvation Army Okeechobee
Who it's for
Okeechobee County coordinates multiple paired safety-net programs for low-income residents in crisis. The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides electric bill assistance to income-eligible Okeechobee households of any age — call 863-357-2240 to apply. For SENIORS specifically (age 60+ in the household), the Okeechobee Senior Center at 863-462-5180 provides additional electric bill assistance with a senior-specific intake pathway. The Salvation Army of Okeechobee at 863-763-6020 also provides utility and emergency assistance to low-income residents on a sliding-fee basis. For homeowners, the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program funds purchase assistance, emergency home repair, and rehabilitation programs — including the AC system replacement, roof repair, septic, and accessibility modifications that are particularly important for aging-in-place seniors. SHIP is administered by Okeechobee County's Affordable Housing Coordinator at lgranados@okeechobeecountyfl.gov.
Okeechobee's safety-net structure leans heavily on multiple paired pathways and nonprofit partners (Salvation Army) — there isn't a single county Human Services intake portal. For seniors 60+, calling Okeechobee Senior Services (863-462-5180) is the most efficient routing because they can connect to the right program (Senior Electric, LIHEAP, SHIP, Salvation Army, or community partners) based on the specific situation. The LIHEAP income gate is approximately 150% of the Federal Poverty Level ($23,400 for a single-person household 2026, scaled with household size). SHIP funding cycles vary — check current intake status with the Affordable Housing Coordinator before applying. Salvation Army assistance is sliding-fee and is often available when county programs are funding-constrained.
What you'll need
- Government-issued photo ID for the applicant
- Proof of Okeechobee County residency
- Proof of household income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, SSA-1099) — typically prior 30 days
- Current electric bill or shut-off notice (LIHEAP / Senior Electric)
- For SHIP Emergency Repair: proof of homeownership + estimate or contractor quote for repairs
- Social Security cards for household members
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 863-357-2240
Renewals
LIHEAP typically annual; SHIP per-repair-event subject to funding
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.