How to apply for Suwannee River Economic Council LIHEAP (Union County) in Florida
Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. (SREC) — FloridaCommerce-designated LIHEAP provider for Union County; 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 Union 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. Apply through SREC's Union County Client/Senior Service Center, 665 SE 4th Street, Lake Butler (386-496-2342; main office 386-362-4115) or the online program forms at srecinc.org. The same centre's Senior Services line (386-496-2342 ext 2) consolidates intake with congregate/home-delivered meals and CCE services.
SREC administers Union 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's Union County Client/Senior Service Center at 665 SE 4th Street, Lake Butler (386-496-2342) handles intake locally.
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 Union County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
- Documentation of household members and ages
- For deposit assistance: lease showing required deposit; for crisis assistance: shutoff notice
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 386-496-2342
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Suwannee River Economic Council LIHEAP (Union 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.