If you live in Hillsborough county give them a call, UTILITIES ASSISTANCE

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help eligible households in Hillsborough County manage their energy bills, especially during extreme weather conditions. To qualify for LIHEAP, applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible alien residents and have a household gross income that does not exceed 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This income eligibility includes households with nine or more members, ensuring support for larger families in need. Applicants must provide a recent energy bill, which will allow the program to send assistance payments directly to the utility provider, such as Tampa Electric Company (TECO). Typically, payments, which can be substantial—for example, a recent award amounted to $1,150.00—may take up to 45 days to be applied to the utility account. During this period, it is crucial for recipients to communicate with their utility company if they receive disconnect notices to understand reconnection steps. If applicants have questions about their award amount or believe there has been an error, Florida’s LIHEAP Appeals Process offers a structured way to request a reconsideration of decisions. The process includes submitting appeals within 30 days to the local LIHEAP agency, who will respond within 10 working days. Further appeals can be made through a State Review if the reconsideration outcome is unsatisfactory. Contact information for appeals includes the LIHEAP Community Program Manager and an official email address. This assistance program plays an essential role in supporting Hillsborough County residents to maintain utility services through difficult times, helping with heating and cooling costs, and alleviating the stress of energy affordability. Those interested can learn more details by visiting floridaliheap.com or contacting local agencies directly to start the application process.