Benefits · Emergency Aid
How to apply for Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) — Suwannee County
Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) — federally LIHEAP-funded, state-administered, locally delivered by Suwannee River Economic Council (SREC) under contract with Elder Options (Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging, PSA 3)
Who it's for
The Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) is a Florida Department of Elder Affairs program funded through the federal LIHEAP block grant but administered separately from regular LIHEAP — explicitly targeted at low-income households with at least one person age 60+. In Suwannee County, EHEAP is delivered by Suwannee River Economic Council (SREC), the local 501(c)(3) AAA delivery partner that also operates Title III nutrition and CCE services across a four-county region (Suwannee + Hamilton + Levy + Dixie). EHEAP provides emergency assistance to seniors facing imminent utility shutoff, deposit requirements for service restoration, or a home cooling/heating crisis. Maximum benefits are typically $600-$1,000 per emergency, paid directly to the utility company or the AC repair vendor. EHEAP can stack with regular LIHEAP (fl.suwannee.cfcaa_liheap) — a senior household may receive both. Income eligibility is set at 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. At least one household member must be 60 years old or older. Apply by calling SREC at 386-362-4115 extension 23 — same intake as FREE congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, CCE in-home services, and senior services case management.
EHEAP is genuinely emergency-only — applicants must document an imminent shutoff, deposit-for-restoration requirement, or broken heating/cooling crisis. Routine bill assistance for seniors should go through regular LIHEAP via CFCAA (fl.suwannee.cfcaa_liheap) instead. The income gate follows LIHEAP's 60% SMI standard (corrected 2026-07-07; the old 150% FPL framing was wrong) and matches LIHEAP's 60% SMI gate. Up to 2 EHEAP benefits per program year per household. Florida DOEA caps the typical award at $600-$1,000 per emergency, paid directly to the utility or vendor. For Suwannee County, SREC is the integrated intake point — same phone 386-362-4115 ext 23) handles EHEAP + FREE congregate meals + Meals on Wheels + CCE in-home services + four-county case management.
What you'll need
- Proof of age 60+ for at least one household member (Florida driver's license, Florida ID, or Medicare card)
- Proof of household income for all members (Social Security award letter, pension statement, SSI award letter, pay stubs)
- Proof of Suwannee County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
- Documentation of the energy emergency: utility shutoff notice, broken-equipment work order or repair estimate, or service-restoration deposit requirement
- Current utility bill
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 386-362-4115
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) — Suwannee County. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age 60+ for at least one household member (Florida driver's license, Florida ID, or Medicare card), proof of household income for all members (Social Security award letter, pension statement, SSI award letter, pay stubs), proof of Suwannee County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
up to 2 benefits per program year per household per the Florida DOEA rule
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.