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Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services Department (CAHSD) offers crisis assistance to qualified Miami-Dade County residents unable to pay their home energy bill.
Since April, more than 30,802 households have received more than $15.7 million in assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
“This program connects eligible, low-income households with critical relief to pay their home energy bills, and I’m proud that we have been able to distribute millions of dollars in assistance throughout the hardship of the last year,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Residents who are facing an energy emergency are encouraged to apply for this lifeline by contacting one of the 12 CAHSD Community Resource Centers for immediate assistance.”
CAHSD has administered the federally funded LIHEAP program for more than 31 years.
“This program assists eligible, low-income households resolve or mitigate a home energy crisis, including electricity disconnection,” said CAHSD interim director Annika Holder.
“Residents who are facing an energy emergency are encouraged to apply for this lifeline by contacting one of the 12 CAHSD Community Resource Centers for immediate assistance.”
Eligible households can receive up to $4,000 in assistance within a 12-month period.
Payments are made directly to the local utility providers.
Applicants must:
• Be a Miami-Dade County resident;
• Be a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent resident status;
• Be 18 or older and possess a valid State of Florida ID;
• Provide Social Security Cards for each member of the household;
• Have final notice or past due notice from electricity provider, or be disconnected;
• Prove that gross household income does not exceed 150 percent of the current federal poverty guidelines.
150% OF THE 2020 FEDERAL POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES
People in the household — 150 percent
1 — $19,140;
2 — $25,860;
3 — $32,580;
4 — $39,300;
5 — $46,020;
6 — $52,740;
7 — $59,460;
8 — $66,180;
For each additional person in the household with more than 8 people add $6,720.
Categorically eligible households include those receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Income (SSI), or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and may automatically qualify.
CAHSD also administers the Florida Power & Light (FPL) Care to Share program in Miami-Dade County. Care to Share is funded via contributions received from FPL customers, employees and stakeholders to assist FPL customers experiencing a financial crisis.
Residents can apply by calling 786-469-4640 or visiting www.miamidade.gov/socialservices to download or complete the application online. Applications can be deposited in the secured drop box located in the front entrance at any of CAHSD’s 12 Community Resource Centers.
CAHSD is the largest provider of comprehensive social services in Miami-Dade County. For more information about the LIHEAP program or to learn more about the Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department programs, call 786-469-4600 or visit on the web at www.miamidade.gov/socialservices.
