How to apply for LIHEAP — Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Florida)

Who it's for

Florida's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households pay home heating and cooling bills, with crisis help when a shutoff is imminent or service is already off. The program is funded federally and run statewide by FloridaCommerce, but you apply through your county's local provider — usually a Community Action Agency, council on aging, or local government office. Households qualify with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines (or 60% of the state median income); priority goes to households with a member 60 or older, a person with a disability, or a young child. Payments usually go straight to the utility company.

What you'll need

• Proof of all household income
• Most recent home energy bill / shutoff notice
• Proof of Florida residency
• Social Security numbers for all household members
• Photo identification

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about LIHEAP — Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Florida). 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 all household income, most recent home energy bill / shutoff notice, proof of Florida residency — 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.

Step by step

1. Gather the required documents: proof of all household income, your most recent home energy bill or shutoff notice, proof of Florida residency, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a photo ID.
2. Find your county's local LIHEAP provider — this is usually a Community Action Agency, council on aging, or local government office — since you must apply through your county's local provider.
3. Apply online or by phone at 850-717-8450. Have all your documents ready before you start.
4. Submit your application as early as possible. LIHEAP funds are served first-come, first-served while local funds last, so applying promptly is important.
5. If you are in a crisis — meaning a shutoff is imminent or your service is already off — let the local provider know right away, as crisis assistance may be available.

What to expect: After submitting, your local LIHEAP provider will review your application and documents. Processing times vary, so ask your local provider for an estimate. If approved, payments typically go directly to your utility company — you usually will not receive a check. LIHEAP eligibility is income-tested at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines (60% of the state median income), and households with a member age 60 or older, a person with a disability, or a young child are given priority. Because this is a may-qualify program based on those thresholds, approval is not guaranteed. Benefits must be renewed annually, and you can only apply when your local provider has open funds, so watch for announcements from your county's local LIHEAP provider each year.

Renewals

annual (apply when local funds are open)

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