You may qualify for up to $1,300 in energy assistance—here’s how to apply before July 31
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If your energy bills are stretching your budget this summer, there may be help available—but the deadline to apply is fast approaching.
A federal assistance program could offer up to $1,300 or more to help qualifying households stay cool during the hottest months of the year.
The goal is to ease the pressure on families who might otherwise have to choose between comfort and essentials.
With applications for this year’s cooling season due by July 31, now’s the time to see if you qualify.
Here’s what to know and how to apply before the opportunity passes.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps low-income households with the cost of home energy.
In Florida, the funds are managed by FloridaCommerce and distributed through a statewide network of local community action agencies.
While many people think of electric bills when it comes to energy assistance, LIHEAP can also cover other home energy sources such as gas, propane, wood, and coal.
It may also help with deposits, reconnection fees, and other charges related to maintaining or restoring service.
However, the program does not cover water, internet, or phone bills.
How much you qualify for depends on a few factors:
Most payments are made directly to your utility company—you won’t have to handle the money yourself.
Some Florida residents have reported receiving up to $1,300 in energy help through the standard program.
And if your service has been disconnected or is at risk of shutoff, you may qualify for a Crisis award of up to $2,000, which can sometimes be used more than once a year.
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Florida, you must meet all four of the following:
Here are the current monthly income limits (subject to change):
A complete income chart is available on the FloridaCommerce website.
The easiest and fastest way to apply is online at the FloridaCommerce website.
You can also download a paper application and mail it to your local LIHEAP provider—the list of addresses is available on the same site.
Deadline: All applications must be submitted by July 31, 2025
To avoid delays, try not to wait until the last minute. Processing times can vary, and missing the deadline could mean missing out on valuable assistance.
If you’ve already received a disconnection notice or your power has been turned off, you may qualify for LIHEAP’s Crisis assistance.
These awards can provide up to $2,000 to get your service restored, and you may be able to apply for additional help later in the year if needed.
Even with help, it’s always smart to use less energy when you can. Here are a few easy ways to keep your cooling costs down:
If you haven’t already, consider adding weather stripping to your doors and windows.
This simple fix can reduce your cooling costs by up to 30%, which could mean $80 or more in yearly savings—without adjusting your thermostat.
Whether you're struggling to cover your cooling costs or just hoping to stretch your budget a bit further this summer, programs like LIHEAP can make a real difference.
But with the July 31 deadline fast approaching, now is the time to take action.
Don’t wait—check your eligibility, gather your documents, and apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on valuable assistance.
Read next: Are the medications you take secretly raising your risk of heat stroke? Find out which ones to watch out for
Have you applied for LIHEAP in the past? Do you have tips for making the process smoother or keeping your home cool on a budget? We’d love to hear your stories, advice, or questions in the comments below.
At The GrayVine, we’re here to keep you informed—and to help you take advantage of programs that make life a little more affordable, one season at a time.
A federal assistance program could offer up to $1,300 or more to help qualifying households stay cool during the hottest months of the year.
The goal is to ease the pressure on families who might otherwise have to choose between comfort and essentials.
With applications for this year’s cooling season due by July 31, now’s the time to see if you qualify.
Here’s what to know and how to apply before the opportunity passes.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households stay cool during summer without the high cost. Image Source: Pexels / Burak The Weekender.
What is LIHEAP, and who runs it?
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps low-income households with the cost of home energy.
In Florida, the funds are managed by FloridaCommerce and distributed through a statewide network of local community action agencies.
While many people think of electric bills when it comes to energy assistance, LIHEAP can also cover other home energy sources such as gas, propane, wood, and coal.
It may also help with deposits, reconnection fees, and other charges related to maintaining or restoring service.
However, the program does not cover water, internet, or phone bills.
Also read: Stop overpaying! AC experts reveal the costly mistake adding hundreds to your energy bill
How much assistance can you get?
How much you qualify for depends on a few factors:
- The number of people in your household
- Your gross monthly income
- Whether your household includes seniors, children, or individuals with disabilities
Most payments are made directly to your utility company—you won’t have to handle the money yourself.
Some Florida residents have reported receiving up to $1,300 in energy help through the standard program.
And if your service has been disconnected or is at risk of shutoff, you may qualify for a Crisis award of up to $2,000, which can sometimes be used more than once a year.
Also read: Don’t miss out: How you could get $175 checks and cut at least $60 off your sky-high summer energy bills
Who qualifies?
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Florida, you must meet all four of the following:
- Income: Your household must be at or below 60% of the state median income (or 150% of the federal poverty level). If you already receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI, you're automatically eligible.
- Energy Responsibility: You must be responsible for paying your home energy bills.
- Residency: You must be a Florida resident.
- Citizenship: At least one person in your household must be a US citizen, permanent resident, or qualified alien.
Here are the current monthly income limits (subject to change):
- 1 person: $2,549
- 2 people: $3,333
- 3 people: $4,118
- 4 people: $4,903
- (Up to 15 people: $11,298)
A complete income chart is available on the FloridaCommerce website.
Also read: Unlock your home upgrade: Discover how to apply for financial assistance today!
How to apply before the deadline
The easiest and fastest way to apply is online at the FloridaCommerce website.
You can also download a paper application and mail it to your local LIHEAP provider—the list of addresses is available on the same site.
Deadline: All applications must be submitted by July 31, 2025
To avoid delays, try not to wait until the last minute. Processing times can vary, and missing the deadline could mean missing out on valuable assistance.
Also read: Protect your wallet: Millions of Americans could face sky-high energy bills—avoid a $727 shock
What if you’re facing a shutoff?
If you’ve already received a disconnection notice or your power has been turned off, you may qualify for LIHEAP’s Crisis assistance.
These awards can provide up to $2,000 to get your service restored, and you may be able to apply for additional help later in the year if needed.
Also read: Heating bills surge to 12-year high—some states warn of shut-offs ahead
Tips to stay cool and lower your bill
Even with help, it’s always smart to use less energy when you can. Here are a few easy ways to keep your cooling costs down:
- Move electronics away from thermostats—they can create false heat readings
- Shade your outdoor A/C unit to help it run more efficiently
- Clean or replace air filters regularly
- Avoid constantly changing your thermostat settings
- Keep vents clear and unblocked
- Check for air duct leaks
- Use fans to circulate air and reduce strain on your A/C
Also read: Could your weekends be energy-free? Here’s how some Americans are getting electricity at no cost
Bonus tip: Try weather stripping
If you haven’t already, consider adding weather stripping to your doors and windows.
This simple fix can reduce your cooling costs by up to 30%, which could mean $80 or more in yearly savings—without adjusting your thermostat.
Whether you're struggling to cover your cooling costs or just hoping to stretch your budget a bit further this summer, programs like LIHEAP can make a real difference.
But with the July 31 deadline fast approaching, now is the time to take action.
Don’t wait—check your eligibility, gather your documents, and apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on valuable assistance.
Read next: Are the medications you take secretly raising your risk of heat stroke? Find out which ones to watch out for
Have you applied for LIHEAP in the past? Do you have tips for making the process smoother or keeping your home cool on a budget? We’d love to hear your stories, advice, or questions in the comments below.
At The GrayVine, we’re here to keep you informed—and to help you take advantage of programs that make life a little more affordable, one season at a time.
