A look at the program . . .

This Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program helps seniors 60 years and older pay for electric and gas bills. Eligible residents can receive these benefits twice a year, once in the heating season and once in the cooling season.

Do I qualify?

 To qualify, you must:

• Be 60 years of age or older
• Be a Pinellas County resident
• Have a home heating or cooling emergency
• Have income below 150 percent of the Federal Income Guidelines - see below

What does the program offer?

• This program helps pay the winter heating bills or summer cooling bills for low-income, senior residents. Vouchers may be available for heaters, fans and blankets. Eligible residents can receive these benefits twice a year.

How do I apply?

• To apply, please call the office nearest to you to schedule an appointment.

Health & Human Services locations

What paperwork do I need?

Take a careful look at the documents you must bring on your first trip to our office.

• 1. Two forms of ID - Examples:
  • Florida identification card, driver's license or Social Security card (for all household members)
• 2. Proof of income (for all household members) - Examples:
  • Pay stub, award letter from Social Security Administration (SSA), pensions
• 3. Proof of emergency - Examples:
  • Past due energy bill (Progress Energy, Gas)
  • If on subsidized housing and receiving a utility allowance, you must provide a copy of the lease indicating allowance amount.

 

What if I’m not eligible for this program?

Please ask us for information and resources that may help you.

You may call 2-1-1, Tampa Bay’s 2-1-1 Call Center, or visit www.211tampabay.org. To help seniors, hundreds of community resources are highlighted. Examples include nutrition sites, senior ride programs, volunteer opportunities, senior housing, legal help and much more.

You may also contact the Senior Helpline at (727) 217-8111 or 1-800-96-ELDER (963-5337). This important resource helps seniors and caregivers gain access to services in the community.

What if I still have questions?

Please call our Clearwater office at (727) 464-8400 or our St. Petersburg office at (727) 582-7781.