Energy bill assistance available to seniors through Sept. 30

Qualifying Central Florida seniors experiencing an energy crisis have until Sept. 30 to apply for up to $5,000 in energy bill assistance through the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP). As costs continue to rise due to increased cooling thanks to hot weather, and rising costs, it’s more important than ever that remaining EHEAP funds get into the hands those seniors who may have past due energy bills. Senior Resource Alliance (SRA), which processed more than 1,300 applications in 2021, many due to the aftermath of COVID-19, oversees the program in our area. The Osceola Council on Aging is a SRA partner agency, and processes EHEAP in Osceola County.

SRA distributed nearly $600,00 in EHEAP crisis funds to help local seniors.

“The summer months provide a particular challenge to seniors because hotter temperatures mean higher than usual energy bills,” said Karla Radka, President and CEO of SRA. “With the additional burden of inflation, it is more important than ever that seniors know there is help available if they need it.”

EHEAP 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.

Full qualifications for EHEAP:

• Applicants must be age 60 or older and live in one of the counties served (such as Osceola);

• The 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.

• The applicant must be experiencing a home energy crisis, such as disconnection, delinquency or past due bills.

• Applicants are “categorically eligible” if they can provide proof of TANF, SSI or SNAP benefits, such as an award letter, in addition to documentation of total household income.

Those interested in applying in Osceola County should contact the Osceola Council on Aging at 407-846-8532.