How to apply for Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) — Seminole County in Florida
City of Sanford, Community Relations — LIHEAP Division (administers LIHEAP for Seminole County residents under a FloridaCommerce grant); FloridaCommerce (850-717-8450) is the state's listed contact for Seminole County when the city is between funding periods
Who it's for
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible Seminole County households pay home electric bills, with crisis help when a shutoff is imminent. In Seminole County it is administered by the City of Sanford's LIHEAP Division; you do not have to live in the city. Eligibility is based on household size and income, which must not exceed 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, and since November 2023 a household can be helped once in any 12-month period. Federal LIHEAP rules give priority to households with a member age 60 or older, a person with a disability, or a young child. Payments go straight to the utility. Applications are taken online through the city's LIHEAP page when funds are available; the city closes intake when a quarter's funds run out and reopens it in the next funding period. Call the Sanford LIHEAP office at 407-688-5167 (Liheap@sanfordfl.gov). FloridaCommerce's provider directory lists the state itself for Seminole County application information at 850-717-8450.
Income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines and help is limited to once every 12 months, so this shows as a may-qualify result. The City of Sanford stops taking applications when a quarter's funds are exhausted (its page carried that notice in 2026) and reopens in the next funding period; FloridaCommerce's directory currently lists the state (850-717-8450) as the Seminole County contact for application information. Federal LIHEAP priority goes to households with a member 60+, a person with a disability, or a young child.
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
- Proof of income for everyone in the household
- Current electric bill (and any shutoff notice for crisis help)
- Proof of Seminole County residency
- Photo ID and Social Security numbers for household members
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 407-688-5167
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) — Seminole 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 income for everyone in the household, current electric bill (and any shutoff notice for crisis help), proof of Seminole County 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.
Renewals
annual (households may apply when funds are open)
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.