Broward County is extending a helping hand to residents through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This initiative provides financial support to cover electricity bills for families meeting certain income and household size criteria.
Supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the program receives funding in Broward from the State of Florida and is managed by the county's Family Success Administration Division.
Online Applications and Eligibility Criteria
As of November 2023, applications are exclusively accepted online, with postal submissions no longer being an option.
Eligibility hinges on household size and family income. As per the guidelines effective from October 1, 2026, the annual income limits are as follows:
1 person: $33,733
2 people: $44,113
3 people: $54,493
4 people: $64,873
5 people: $75,252
6 people: $85,632
Households with more members may also qualify, with limits extending up to nine individuals.
Documentation Requirements
Non-U.S. citizens in the household are eligible to apply by providing proof of permanent residency or other qualifying foreign status documentation.
Before accessing the Broward LIHEAP application portal, ensure you have the following documents clearly scanned or photographed:
- Government-issued photo ID of the applicant (driver's license or Florida state ID).
- Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status for all household members.
- Social Security numbers for everyone in the household.
- A current bill from Florida Power & Light (FPL).
- Proof of all income received in the past 30 days: consecutive pay stubs, disability or SSI benefits statement, retirement, unemployment, pension, child support, veterans' benefits, or workers' compensation, among others.
Note that bank statements and W-2 forms are not acceptable income verification.
Households receiving Section 8 or public housing assistance must also attach a copy of their lease agreement or form 50058/50059, showing utility allowance data.
Application Process and Important Considerations
Online submissions may temporarily close to manage the influx of applications. If the system indicates a halt in new submissions, applicants should retry later.
Processing can take up to 15 business days. During this period, applicants should continue paying their bill or arrange a payment plan with FPL to avoid disconnection, as applying for aid does not delay this process.
Duplicate applications should not be submitted while awaiting the outcome of the initial request.
Once approved, the benefit is directly credited to the electric company; it is not provided as cash to the applicant.
For inquiries about application status, the Broward LIHEAP call center operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 954-357-5025.
Distinct Programs in Broward and Miami-Dade
It's crucial to note that Broward and Miami-Dade have separate LIHEAP programs with different administrators, amounts, and submission channels. Residents of Broward should not use Miami-Dade's contact numbers, centers, or deadlines.
Those who do not qualify for LIHEAP or need additional assistance can explore other FPL programs: Saving Steps offers a one-time $200 credit on the electric bill for low to moderate-income customers, subject to fund availability, while Care to Share can provide up to $750 over 12 months for households at imminent risk of disconnection, requiring prior exhaustion of other aids like LIHEAP.
Understanding these options becomes increasingly important as electricity bills may rise in 2027; FPL has requested a temporary surcharge from the Florida Public Service Commission due to Hurricane Isaias costs, which is still pending approval.
Understanding Broward County's LIHEAP Program
Who is eligible for the Broward County LIHEAP?
Eligibility is based on household size and income, with specific annual income limits set for households of different sizes. Non-U.S. citizens can apply with proof of permanent residency or qualifying status.
What documents are required for the LIHEAP application?
Applicants need to provide a government photo ID, proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status, Social Security numbers, a valid FPL bill, and proof of income from the past 30 days.
How does the application process work?
Applications are submitted online, with a potential processing time of up to 15 business days. Applicants should continue managing their electricity bills to prevent disconnection during this period.