How to apply for Florida LIHEAP + Highlands Partner-Network Emergency Utility Aid
Florida Commerce (state LIHEAP administrator) + local Highlands partner nonprofits including Salvation Army of Sebring, Catholic Charities of Highlands County, and United Way of Heartland
Who it's for
Highlands County does not operate a dedicated county Human Services LIHEAP intake — utility-bill assistance flows through the state-level Florida LIHEAP program and through local nonprofit partner agencies. The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is administered by the Florida Department of Commerce and provides electric-bill assistance to income-eligible Highlands households (household income at or below 60 percent of the State Median Income). Apply through the Florida Commerce LIHEAP online portal or through a Highlands community partner. Salvation Army of Sebring provides utility and emergency assistance to low-income Highlands residents on a sliding-fee basis. Catholic Charities of Highlands County provides additional emergency aid and family support services. United Way of Heartland operates the Highlands 211 helpline, which routes callers to current available assistance options across the partner-agency network. For Highlands seniors specifically, contacting NU-HOPE Elder Care Services (or the statewide Elder Helpline, 1-800-963-5337) first can produce more efficient routing because senior-focused agencies often know which utility partner has current funding capacity.
Highlands' safety-net for utility crisis is partner-driven — there isn't a single county-administered LIHEAP/EHEAP intake. The state Florida LIHEAP program is administered by Florida Commerce, with applications routed through community partner agencies. Salvation Army of Sebring and Catholic Charities of Highlands County are the most active local partners. The Highlands 211 helpline (operated by United Way of Heartland) is the most efficient way to identify which partner currently has funding capacity — funding shifts across the partner network throughout the year. The income gate modeled is 60% of State Median Income ($33,733 single, FFY2027); specific partners may use stricter gates. For Highlands seniors, the SCC Elder Helpline (1-800-963-5337) and NU-HOPE can provide senior-prioritized routing that 211 doesn't necessarily offer.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat you'll need
- Government-issued photo ID for the applicant
- Proof of Highlands County residency
- Proof of household income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, SSA-1099) — prior 30 days
- Current electric bill or shut-off notice
- Social Security cards for household members
- Application through Florida Commerce LIHEAP portal OR through Salvation Army/Catholic Charities/local partner agency
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 211
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Florida LIHEAP + Highlands Partner-Network Emergency Utility Aid. 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 government-issued photo ID for the applicant, proof of Highlands County residency, proof of household income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, SSA-1099) — prior 30 days — 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
LIHEAP typically annual; partner-agency assistance varies by funding cycle
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.