How to apply for Suwannee River Economic Council LIHEAP (Suwannee County) in Florida
Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. (SREC) — FloridaCommerce-designated LIHEAP provider for Suwannee County (headquartered in Live Oak); administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) including crisis relief for shutoffs; funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Florida Department of Commerce
Who it's for
Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. (SREC) is the designated agency administering the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Suwannee County (Central Florida Community Action Agency serves only Alachua, Levy and Marion). SREC's LIHEAP provides assistance to low-income households to help pay energy expenses, including crisis relief for emergency situations. The Florida LIHEAP income gate is set at 60 percent of the State Median Income. Senior-headed households receive application priority under federal LIHEAP rules. Apply through SREC's Suwannee County office in Live Oak (386-362-6079; main office 386-362-4115) or the online program forms at srecinc.org. For Suwannee County seniors who prefer a senior-pathway intake, Suwannee River Economic Council (fl.suwannee.srec_meals_and_senior_services) at 904-964-6696 also serves as a referral point that consolidates with Meals on Wheels and senior services enrollment. SREC's broader financial aid programs may also supplement LIHEAP for low-income seniors with multiple emergencies.
SREC administers Suwannee County LIHEAP on a first-come-first-served basis — funds can exhaust mid-year. Apply EARLY in the cooling season (typically February-March) and heating season (typically November-December) for the strongest chance of award. Florida LIHEAP uses 60% of State Median Income as the income gate. SREC is headquartered in Live Oak, so intake is local; SVTA paratransit (fl.suwannee.svta_transit) requires THREE business days advance reservation if a ride is needed.
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 all household income (Social Security award letter, pension statement, pay stubs, SSI award letter)
- Current energy bill (electric or gas) and any past-due notices
- Photo identification
- Proof of Suwannee County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
- Documentation of household members and ages (especially seniors, disabled, children under 6 for priority)
- For deposit assistance: lease showing required deposit; for crisis assistance: shutoff notice
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 386-362-6079
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Suwannee River Economic Council LIHEAP (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 all household income (Social Security award letter, pension statement, pay stubs, SSI award letter), current energy bill (electric or gas) and any past-due notices, photo identification — 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 regular benefit + crisis benefits per program year
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.