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

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

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

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 for households of 8 members or less, or a households gross income of no more than 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for households with 9 or more members
  • Income Eligibility Criteria
• Have a recent energy bill
• Be responsible for paying their home energy bills
• Additional qualifications may be necessary to determine eligibility
• Download the complete LIHEAP & EHEAP checklist - English | LIHEAP & EHEAP checklist - Spanish

Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program for the elderly (EHEAP)

Households must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. Citizen or an alien resident who is eligible for federal benefits
• Be a resident of Hillsborough County
• At least one household member must be age 60 or older
• Have a household gross income of no more than 60 percent state median income for households of 8 members or less, or a households gross income of no more than 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for households with 9 or more members
  • Income Eligibility Criteria
• Be responsible for paying their home energy bills
• Must have a recent energy bill
• Additional qualifications may be necessary to determine eligibility
• Download the complete LIHEAP & EHEAP checklist - English | LIHEAP & EHEAP checklist - Spanish

Things to consider

• All eligibility appointments will be scheduled in advance and can be virtual/over-the-phone or in person
• An eligibility specialist will be requesting all necessary documents to be sent electronically and will be able to assist you with this process
• Hillsborough County may prioritize financial assistance appointments to households that have members who are part of the most vulnerable population (persons 60 years or older, school-age, or with a disability)
• If you don't have all necessary documents for your appointment, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment for when all paperwork is completed and available

How to

1. Call (813) 272-5220 to be screened for an eligibility appointment
2. Gather all of the following documents for your scheduled appointment:
   • Social Security number verification for each household member
   • Two items showing verification of Hillsborough County residency:
     • Valid driver's license with current address
     • Letter or current lease from your landlord or mortgage company
     • Hillsborough County voter registration card
     • Public utility bill with Hillsborough County address
     • Vehicle registration with a Hillsborough County address
     • Current public school enrollment in Hillsborough County
   • Picture identification for all adults in the household
   • Verification of gross income for all household members for the last 30 days, such as: paycheck stub, employer letter, award letter for public assistance, Social Security income verification, unemployment benefits letter, or pension check stub
   • Verification of home energy obligation
3. Additional requirements may be necessary for eligibility determination depending on each household situation

Resources

• LIHEAP & EHEAP checklist - English
• LHEAP & EHEAP checklist - Spanish

Get help

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