Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Florida’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households in Florida pay their heating and cooling bills, making energy costs more affordable. Since funding is limited, the amount you get and how often you can apply for help depends on your county and available funds.

How does Florida LIHEAP work?

In Florida, LIHEAP is managed by FloridaCommerce, formerly known as the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, and run through local community action agencies across the state. These local agencies help you apply and, if you qualify, send payments straight to your utility company on your behalf. Florida LIHEAP may only provide help with natural gas or propane bills in the winter if they are your main source of heating.

Florida LIHEAP does not pay for:

• Gas or propane used for cooking or hot water
• Water bills
• Sewer bills
• Telephone services

Florida LIHEAP provides two kinds of help: Home Energy Assistance, which helps once a year with regular heating and cooling bills, and Crisis Assistance, which gives emergency help (up to $2,000 a year) if your power is shut off or about to be disconnected.

Who can get help from Florida LIHEAP?

To be eligible for Florida LIHEAP, you must be a Florida resident and responsible for paying your home’s heating or cooling bills.  LIHEAP has limited funding each year, so not everyone who applies will receive help. That’s why it’s important to apply as soon as funds are available.

If you qualify, the amount of assistance you get and how often you can receive it will depend on how much funding is available in your area. FloridaCommerce reviews both your household income and the amount you pay for energy bills to decide if you are eligible and how much help you can receive.

To qualify, your household income must be at or below 60% of Florida’s median income or 150% of the federal poverty level.

What decides my LIHEAP benefit amount?

The amount of help you receive from Florida LIHEAP depends on the type of assistance you apply for and the funding available in your county.

For Home Energy Assistance, the award amount is based on several factors:

• Number of people in your household
• Household income from the previous month
• Whether your household includes older adults, children, or people with disabilities

Households can receive this benefit once per year, and the amount depends on the funds available in your county.

For Crisis Assistance, you can receive up to $2,000 per year. The actual amount you get depends on the size of your emergency bill, and you may need to pay any remaining balance yourself. You can apply for crisis assistance more than once in a year, but the total combined awards cannot exceed the $2,000 maximum. Funding varies by county, so not everyone who applies will receive help.

How do I apply for Florida LIHEAP?

There are several ways to apply for Florida LIHEAP. Choose the way that works best for you:

Apply online

Applying online is typically the fastest way to apply for Florida LIHEAP. To get started, visit the FloridaCommerce website and click ‘Start new application”. You will then be guided through the application questions and asked to upload supporting documents before submitting your application.

Apply by mail

To apply by mail, you will first need a paper application. You can download and print the application here:

• Florida LIHEAP Application (English)
• Florida LIHEAP Application (Spanish)

Fill out the application and mail, along with copies of any required documents, to your local LIHEAP provider. Find your local LIHEAP provider here.

Apply in person

To apply in person, first find your local LIHEAP provider. Visit that location and bring copies of any required documents with you. Staff will be available to help you with your application and answer any questions you may have.

Required documents

No matter how you decide to apply for Florida LIHEAP, you will need to provide the following when applying:

• Your most recent home energy bill
• A final utility termination notice (if applicable)
• Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, bank statements showing regular income, dividends, or other documents showing current gross income)
• Photo ID
• Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence

What happens after I apply for Florida LIHEAP?

After applying, it can take up to 15 business days for your application to be reviewed. Your local LIHEAP provider will check your application and let you know if it is approved or denied.

You can check your application status by logging into your FloridaCommerce account to see if a decision has been made or if any documents are missing. If something is missing, upload the required documents as soon as possible.

If you have questions about your application, contact your local LIHEAP provider directly.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways you can get help applying for Florida LIHEAP. You can:

• Contact your local Florida LIHEAP provider.

• Ask a trusted family member or friend.
• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area.
• NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.

What if I cannot get help from Florida LIHEAP?

Talk to your utility company​​​​​​​

Call your utility provider and explain that you are having trouble paying your energy bills. Many companies, like Florida Power & Light Company, have programs for low-income households, including lower rates or payment plans.

Look for other assistance programs in Florida

There may be other local or state programs that help people pay energy bills, such as the Weatherization Assistance Program. Ask your local LIHEAP provider or check online to see what’s available in your area.

Contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)

These local centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs to afford food, health care, and energy bills. You can contact a BEC in your area for guidance and support.