• LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (federally funded)
• EHEAEP – Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (federally funded)
• FEMA/EFSP – Federal Emergency Management Agency - Emergency Food and Shelter Program (individual assistance)
• United Way

Annually, the state of Florida receives funding from the federal government to help low-income people pay their utility bills. The program that provides this funding is called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP funds are distributed through community-based agencies working throughout Florida. FPU works closely with both state and local agencies and organizations in the administration of LIHEAP and other such funds, as part of our ASSIST Program.

To be eligible to receive help, your household's income may not exceed 150 percent of the poverty guidelines. If your household's income is greater than this amount, you may still be eligible, because some types of income are not counted.

To find out where to apply for the funds, please visit the state of Florida 's Department of Community Affairs Web site, and then click on the link for the Community Assistance Local Programs and Contacts List. Locate your county on the list. The contact agency providing assistance in paying utility bills is listed under “LIHEAP.”

Click here for a video presentation on LIHEAP. Click here to download a  LIHEAP brochure.

When applying for assistance, you must provide proof, such as a utility bill, that you are responsible for all or part of the energy costs for the household. Other requirements are explained here.

Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP assistance should contact their local/state LIHEAP agency. For more information, go to:

• www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/
• http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/brochure/brochure.html
• www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org/liheap/index.cfm

EHEAEP

The Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly program is available for financially eligible people, 60 years of age and older, who are experiencing an energy-related crisis.

A crisis may be an impending cut-off of utility services, lack of fuel or wood, a broken heating or cooling system, or an unusually hot or cold season energy expense. A recipient may receive financial assistance a maximum of twice a year – once during the heating season and again during the cooling season. Financial eligibility for this program is determined by a local community agency designated by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Individuals interested in applying for EHEAEP assistance should contact their local/state EHEAEP agency. For more information, call 1-800-963-5337.

More information: http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/english/eheaep.php

FEMA's Emergency Food and Shelter Program was created by Congress to help meet the needs of hungry and homeless people throughout the United States and its territories by allocating federal funds for the provision of food and shelter.

Program funds are used to provide the following, as determined by the local board in funded jurisdictions:

• Food, in the form of served meals or groceries
• Lodging in a mass shelter or hotel
• One month's rent or mortgage payment
• One month's utility bill
• Minimal repairs to allow a mass feeding or sheltering facility to function during the program year, and/or
• Equipment necessary to feed or shelter people, up to a $300 limit per item.

United Way is a worldwide network in 45 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all, by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change.

To reach the United Way dial 211 and then select option 2. You will be connected to a United Way representative that can assist you in finding resources available in your community.