A shutoff notice is stressful at any age. But in Florida’s summer heat or during a cold snap, losing electricity can be especially dangerous for an older adult.
Florida’s Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) helps low-income households with at least one person age 60 or older who are facing a home energy emergency.
The program may help pay past-due energy bills or prevent a utility shutoff. It’s designed for emergencies, not ongoing monthly bill assistance.
Here’s how it works and where to apply.
What Does EHEAP Pay For?
EHEAP helps eligible households resolve an immediate heating or cooling emergency.
Qualifying situations may include:
- Past-due energy bills that a household cannot afford to pay.
- Utility shutoff notices warning that service will be disconnected.
- Energy service that’s already been disconnected.
- Lack of heating fuel or an inability to obtain more fuel.
Depending on your situation, assistance may cover electricity, natural gas, propane, or other qualifying heating fuels.
Payments generally go directly to the energy provider. In some situations, payment may go to a landlord if utilities are included in the rent.
Some local providers may also help with emergency heating or cooling equipment repairs when a breakdown creates a dangerous situation. Availability depends on local program rules and funding.
EHEAP is crisis assistance, so it shouldn’t be treated as a monthly utility discount.
Who Qualifies for EHEAP?
To qualify, your household generally must:
- Live in Florida.
- Include at least one person age 60 or older.
- Meet the program’s household income requirements.
- Have a documented home energy emergency.
Income limits and eligibility details should be confirmed with your local EHEAP provider.
Certain living arrangements may not qualify, including student dormitories, group living facilities, and some residential facilities where the cost of care or housing is covered by a state-administered program.
If you’re unsure whether your living arrangement qualifies, ask your provider before assuming you’re ineligible.
You can read the state’s overview on the Florida Department of Elder Affairs EHEAP page.
What Documents Do You Need?
Documentation requirements may vary depending on where you live.
For example, St. Johns County’s EHEAP program asks applicants to provide:
- A driver’s license or other accepted identification.
- A Social Security card.
- Bank statements from the last 30 days.
- Proof of all household income.
- A past-due energy bill.
St. Johns County also notes that bank statements alone cannot be used as proof of income.
Your local provider may have different requirements, so contact them before gathering or submitting paperwork.
If you have a shutoff notice, tell the agency immediately and ask what documentation it needs to process your emergency request.
How Quickly Can You Get Help?
EHEAP is intended to address urgent energy emergencies, but approval and payment are not automatic.
For example, St. Johns County’s application states that the agency has 18 hours to take an eligible action after receiving all the information needed for a crisis application.
That doesn’t mean your utility bill will necessarily be paid within 18 hours.
The agency may need to verify your eligibility, contact your utility provider, or take another qualifying action.
If your service has already been disconnected or you’re facing an immediate shutoff, explain that when you first contact the program.
How Do You Apply for EHEAP in Florida?
Start by contacting your local EHEAP provider and explaining your energy emergency.
You can also contact FloridaCommerce, which the Florida Department of Elder Affairs identifies as the official contact for program information and applications.
FloridaCommerce EHEAP Contact
Email: FloridaLIHEAP@Commerce.fl.gov
Official information: Florida Department of Elder Affairs
You can also contact Florida’s Elder Helpline for help locating aging services and assistance in your area.
Example for St. Johns County residents:
St. Johns County Social Services
200 San Sebastian View, Suite 2300
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Visit the St. Johns County EHEAP page for local application information.
If you live in another Florida county, contact the provider serving your area rather than traveling to the St. Johns County office.
Don’t wait until your power is disconnected to ask for help. If you already have a past-due bill or shutoff notice, reach out as soon as possible.
What If You Need More Help With Utility Bills?
If you don’t qualify for EHEAP, or if you need assistance beyond an immediate emergency, Florida also participates in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP may offer additional assistance with eligible heating and cooling costs, depending on your household’s circumstances and available funding.
You can learn more in our guide to LIHEAP utility assistance.
Relief Recap
Florida’s Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) helps low-income households with at least one person age 60 or older who are experiencing a home energy crisis.
The program may help with past-due energy bills, threatened disconnections, or other qualifying heating and cooling emergencies.
Assistance is based on eligibility and available funding, and payments generally go to the utility provider rather than directly to the household.
If someone in your home is 60 or older and you’re struggling with a past-due energy bill, contact your local EHEAP provider as soon as possible. You don’t have to wait until your power has been shut off to ask about assistance.
