Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

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

Learn more about Florida LIHEAP, how it works, and whether it can help make your home energy costs more affordable.

Florida LIHEAP: Quick Facts

What is it?

A program that helps people with low incomes pay their home heating and cooling bills

How does it work?

Florida LIHEAP pays your energy company directly. It may cover current or past-due energy bills. Emergency help may be available if your service was shut off or you received a shutoff notice.

Who qualifies?

Florida homeowners and renters who meet the income rules and pay energy costs

How do I apply?

Apply online, by mail, or through your local LIHEAP provider.

When should I apply?

Apply as soon as you need help paying your energy bill. Funds are limited and may run out in your county.

How does Florida LIHEAP work?

Florida LIHEAP helps eligible households pay their heating and cooling costs. If you’re approved, the payment is sent directly to your utility company—not to you. Eligible households can receive the regular Home Energy benefit once per year. Benefits depend on available funding in your county.

Emergency help (called Crisis Assistance) may also be available if your service has been disconnected or you have received a shutoff notice. You may be able to get emergency help more than once per year.

In Florida, LIHEAP is managed by FloridaCommerce and run through local community action agencies across the state. These local agencies help you apply and get assistance.

What utility bills does Florida LIHEAP cover?

Florida LIHEAP may help pay electric, gas, propane, wood, coal, and other home heating or cooling costs. It can help with current or past-due bills, late fees, deposits, and fees to connect or restore service.

Florida LIHEAP does not pay for:

• Gas or propane used for cooking or hot water

• Water bills

• Sewer bills

• Telephone services

Who qualifies for LIHEAP in Florida?

You may qualify for Florida LIHEAP if:

• You live in Florida.

• Your household meets the income rules (or receives SNAP, SSI, or TANF). Income must be at or below 60% of Florida’s median income or 150% of the federal poverty level.

• You are responsible for paying your home’s heating or cooling bills.

• At least one person in your household is a U.S. citizen or meets certain immigration rules.

You must apply to find out if you qualify. Help also depends on the funds available in your county. 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.

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.

How much does LIHEAP pay toward an electric bill in Florida?

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. The most you can get for regular heating or cooling is $1,350. For emergency help, you can get up to $2,000 per year.

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.

What documents do I need to apply for LIHEAP?

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

How long does it take to get approved for 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.

How do I check my Florida LIHEAP application status?

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.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I appeal a Florida LIHEAP denial?

Yes. If your application is denied, contact your local LIHEAP provider. Ask why you were denied and how to appeal the decision. Your denial letter may also explain what you need to do. Learn how to appeal.

Does Florida LIHEAP offer emergency assistance?

Yes. If you qualify, you can receive up to $2,000 per year for emergency help. But the actual amount you get depends on the size of your emergency bill, and you may need to pay any remaining balance yourself. Funding varies by county, so not everyone who applies will receive help.

How often can I receive LIHEAP assistance in Florida?

You may receive a regular Home Energy benefit once every 12 months. If your power has been shut off or you received a shutoff notice, you may also qualify for emergency help. You may receive emergency help more than once, but limits apply. Help depends on the funds available in your county.

Can renters apply for Florida LIHEAP?

Yes. You can apply if you rent and are responsible for paying the energy bill. If the bill is not in your name, you may need to show a lease or a note from your landlord that explains how you pay for utilities.