While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance for energy costs to low-income households. LIHEAP is a federal program that is administered by individual states, territories, and tribes. In Florida, LIHEAP is administered by the Community Action Agencies of Florida.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in Florida, click here.
The Community Action Agencies of Florida oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating and cooling expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s heating assistance initiative in Florida, see the Florida state 2022 LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
LIHEAP Crisis Assistance, like standard LIHEAP benefits, is a cash grant provided to the utility companies of eligible individuals in certain situations.
If your household meets all the eligibility requirements above and has an energy-related crisis, you may qualify for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance.
The state of Florida defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:
A “life-threatening crisis situation” also qualifies a household for Crisis Assistance. This occurs when:
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $5,000.
Learn more about Crisis Assistance on page 12 of the Detailed Model Plan here.
To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the Community Action Agencies of Florida will consider:
Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.
As of 2024, the maximum annual heating or cooling benefit amount in Florida is $1,350, and the minimum annual benefit amount is $400 for both as well.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Florida, you must meet the following requirements:
The Community Action Agencies of Florida prioritize households with elderly, disabled or young members. Elderly is considered 60 years or older, and young is considered five years old or younger.
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in Florida here.
If you or a member of your family participates in the benefit programs below, then you may automatically be eligible for LIHEAP based on your income:
LIHEAP applications can be submitted year-round.
To apply for LIHEAP in Florida, complete the following three steps:
Note that applications for Crisis Assistance, for households that meet the state definition of a crisis, can be submitted year-round.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA). Find your nearest CAA office here.
When applying for Florida LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state will need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:
Learn more about the documentation needed during the LIHEAP application process here.
You can call the Community Action Agency where you applied directly to check your application status.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The Community Action Agencies of Florida will notify you within 15 days of receiving your application if you are approved to receive benefits. If you are eligible for Crisis Assistance, you will receive notice within 18 to 48 hours.
All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.
If you are denied Florida LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by writing a statement to your local Community Action Agency (CAA) where you applied within 10 days of when you received the denial. Find your nearest local CAA office here.
The Department of Economic Opportunity does not have access to LIHEAP records and cannot process a denial appeal. If the CAA representative cannot resolve your issue, ask to speak to the Executive Director of the LIHEAP agency.
If you have questions about the appeal process, call (850) 717-8450 or contact your local Community Action Agency. Find your nearest CAA and contact information here.
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Florida or require further assistance, contact your local Community Action Agency. Find your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA) and contact information here.
You can also call the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program phone line at (850) 717-8456.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and compiled a guide that we believe is simple to use and easy to understand. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing detailed information on the process.
Our free LIHEAP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply for LIHEAP, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: January 24, 2024