Qualifying Central Florida seniors have until March 31 to apply for up to $5,000 in energy bill assistance through the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) before the remaining 2021 funds expire. As costs continue to rise and seniors recover from the effects of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever that the remaining EHEAP funds get into the hands of seniors in need to pay pastdue energy bills.
In Central Florida, the program is overseen by Senior Resource Alliance (SRA), which processed more than 1,300 applications in 2021.
SRA distributed over $514,000 in EHEAP crisis funds to help local seniors.
EHEAP, which is 100% federally funded through a grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, helps qualifying seniors pay energy bills in an emergency. Qualifying applicants must be age 60 or older, reside in a home located in Orange, Seminole, Osceola or Brevard County, and be receiving TANF, SSI or SNAP benefits.
Full qualifications for EHEAP include:
• Applicants must be age 60 or older and reside in a home located in one of the following counites: Orange, Seminole, Osceola or Brevard.
• Energy bill does not need to be in the elder’s name, but the elder will need to provide proof of residence, such as a driver’s license or other identification.
• Applicant must be experiencing a home energy crisis, such as disconnection, delinquency or past due bills.
• Applicants who meet the new eligibility requirements must provide proof of TANF, SSI or SNAP benefits, such as an award letter, in addition to documentation of total household income.
The Osceola Council on Aging is one of three SRA partner agencies processing EHEAP applications. Those interested in applying in Osceola County should contact the Council at 407-846-8532.
