Apply for Energy Assistance

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) helps Hillsborough County residents pay for energy bills so they don't have to choose between electricity and groceries.

Eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Households must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or an alien resident who is eligible for federal benefits
• Be a resident of Hillsborough County
• Have a household gross income of no more than 60 percent state median income
  • Income Eligibility Criteria
• Have a recent energy bill
• Be responsible for paying their home energy bills
• Additional qualifications may be necessary to determine eligibility

The department may prioritize applications based on the following criteria during peak time:

• Have a child age 5 or under in the home
• Have a senior age 60 or older in the home
• Have a disabled household member

Rights and responsibilities of LIHEAP applicants/clients

1. Applicants/Clients are responsible for notifying the LIHEAP office of any changes in address or vendor. If the applicant fails to report a new address or vendor before they receive a benefit, they forfeit rights to the benefit.
2. Applicants/Clients are responsible for notifying the LIHEAP office if they do not receive a Notice of Denial and Appeal or Notice of Approval and Appeal within 30 days of the Application Date.
3. Applicants/Clients are responsible for notifying the LIHEAP office if the credit is not made to their account within 45 days.
4. Applicants/Clients have the right to apply for services in a location that is accessible to them.
5. Applicants/Clients have a right to privacy when providing information to subrecipient staff during the application process.
6. Applicants are responsible for giving the subrecipient all of the information and verification required for eligibility determination.
7. Agencies such as shelters, housing projects, and group living facilities may not receive assistance for all their clients as a unit
8. All LIHEAP payments are for the benefit of all members of the household

Get help

Department: Social Services
Phone: (813) 272-5220