A Florida program is available to help low-income residents pay for energy services.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is federally funded, and it’s designed to help income-qualified families with home heating and cooling costs.
How does the Florida LIHEAP program work?
According to the LIHEAP website, funds are allocated “directly to a network of community action agencies, also known as local agency providers, located throughout the state of Florida. If your household is approved for LIHEAP, funds will be applied directly to your energy utility account.”
That money can be used for costs associated with heating and cooling, such as electric, gas, propane, wood, coal, or refillable fuels, including taxes. It can also be used on past-due bills, deposits or fees to start-up, connect or restore energy, and late fees and disconnection fees
LIHEAP funds are not for non-energy services like water, sewer, internet or telephone.
How much money could I be awarded with the Florida LIHEAP program?
The website says the amount your household is eligible for is based on how many people are in your household, your household’s gross income for last month, and whether your household includes any elderly, children, or people with disabilities.
The benefits will be given once per year, and will reset one year after the last award. Payments are made directly to the utility company on your behalf.
What is a crisis award?
Eligible households may also receive a crisis award, which is for those who have had a utility service disconnected or have received a warning about disconnection for non-payment. In that case, you could be awarded the amount that would resolve the crisis (such as restoring utility service), up to a $1000 maximum.
“Note that you may be required to make additional payments before your service can be restored if you owe more than the award amount,” the website reads. “Households can receive multiple crisis awards in a year, up to the $1000 maximum. Eligibility resets on October 1st.”
Who qualifies for the Florida LIHEAP program?
You may be eligible for LIHEAP if you:
- have a household total income of 60% or less of the Florida State Median Income or 150% of Federal Poverty Level OR you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- are responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills,
- are a resident of Florida and
- at least one person in your household is a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident or qualified alien of the U.S.
A household is eligible for LIHEAP if the gross total income for the past 30 days is equal to or below the maximum monthly income outlined below.
| Household size | Max monthly income for 2025 |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,680 |
| 2 | $3,504 |
| 3 | $4,329 |
| 4 | $5,153 |
| 5 | $5,978 |
| 6 | $6,802 |
| 7 | $6,957 |
| 8 | $7,111 |
| 9 | $7,266 |
| 10 | $7,420 |
| 11 | $7,575 |
| 12 | $7,730 |
| 13 | $13,141 |
How can I apply to the Florida LIHEAP program?
Applications may take up to 15 days. The fastest way is to apply is online here.
Otherwise, you can complete a hardcopy application and mail it to your local LIHEAP provider. Find your provider here.
Additionally, you can contact your local LIHEAP Provider for support to complete an application if you are unable to do so online or by mail.
For more information, visit the LIHEAP program’s page for frequently asked questions.
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