Are you struggling to keep up with your energy bills in Miami-Dade County? You’re not alone. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is here to provide crucial support to eligible low-income households, ensuring you can keep your home comfortable and safe. This federally funded program helps with both heating and cooling costs, and in Miami’s climate, that cooling assistance is essential.
LIHEAP in Miami-Dade County offers financial aid to pay your energy bills and provides extra help if you’re facing an energy crisis. If the pandemic has created hardship and made it difficult for you to pay your electricity bills, LIHEAP crisis energy assistance can provide up to $2,000 within a 12-month period to eligible households.
Facing Disconnection? Immediate Help is Available
If your electricity has already been disconnected or you’ve received a disconnection notice, time is of the essence. You should immediately visit a Community Resource Center. While appointments are recommended, walk-ins are also welcome, so don’t hesitate to seek help.
Who is Eligible for LIHEAP Assistance?
To qualify for LIHEAP assistance in Miami-Dade County, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here’s a breakdown:
- Residency: You must live in Miami-Dade County.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent resident status.
- Identification: All adults (18+) in the household need to provide a current State of Florida Driver’s License or picture identification.
- Social Security Card: You’ll need to provide a Social Security card for every member of your household.
- Proof of Income: You must provide proof of income for the last 30 days for all household members.
- SNAP Benefits (if applicable): If you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, bring a printout as proof.
- Birth Certificates for Young Children: Birth certificates are needed for children 5 years old or younger.
- Current Electricity Bill: You must provide a current electricity bill, either a final notice, a past due notice, or proof of disconnection.
- Section 8 or Public Housing (if applicable): If you receive Section 8 or public housing assistance, bring a copy of your 50059 form showing your current utility subsidy/allowance.
- Signed Notices and Waivers: You’ll need to sign a notice regarding the collection of Social Security numbers and a DEO waiver for the release of general or confidential information. You can download these forms in English and Spanish for the notice, and the waiver.
Income Requirements for LIHEAP in Miami-Dade
LIHEAP is designed to help those most in need. Gross countable income limits are set based on household size, tied to the State Median Income (SMI) and Federal Poverty guidelines. For households of 1 to 8 members, income cannot exceed 60 percent of the SMI. For households with 9 or more members, the limit is 150 percent of the Federal Poverty guidelines.
Here are the income thresholds for households of various sizes:
- 1 member: $30,588
- 2 members: $40,000
- 3 members: $49,411
- 4 members: $58,823
- 5 members: $68,234
- 6 members: $77,646
- 7 members: $79,411
- 8 members: $81,175
- 9 members: $87,150
- For each additional member beyond 9, add $8,070.
Categorical Eligibility: Automatic Qualification
Even if your household income slightly exceeds these limits, you may still be eligible if any household member receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This is known as “categorically eligible” and can automatically qualify you for LIHEAP assistance.
Types of LIHEAP Assistance Available
LIHEAP offers two main types of assistance to help Miami-Dade residents manage their energy costs: Regular Home Energy Assistance and Crisis Home Energy Assistance. Checklists are available in English, Spanish, and Creole to help you prepare your application.
1. Regular Home Energy Assistance
This provides a one-time annual benefit payment to eligible households. You don’t need to be in an energy crisis to qualify for this type of assistance. The amount of assistance you receive depends on your household income, size, and composition, with a maximum benefit of $1,350. It’s important to note this is a fixed amount and not necessarily the amount of your current bill.
You will be notified by mail if your application is approved or denied. If approved, a payment credit will be sent directly to your utility provider, typically within 45 days.
2. Crisis Home Energy Assistance
Crisis assistance is for households facing an energy emergency, such as a disconnection notice or service shut-off. This assistance is limited to once per quarter, with a maximum of $2,000 per program year (July to June). To be eligible for crisis assistance, you must have a final notice or already be disconnected.
If you’re eligible for crisis assistance, a commitment to resolve your energy crisis will be made on your account within 24 hours, providing rapid relief when you need it most.
Important Note on Application and Payment
Applying for regular home energy assistance is not a guarantee that your bill will be paid. If you are deemed eligible, a credit will be applied to your utility provider account. It’s crucial to continue paying what you can on your utility bill while your application is being processed to avoid further issues.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in Miami-Dade County
There are several ways to apply for LIHEAP assistance in Miami-Dade County to make the process as accessible as possible:
- Apply In Person: Visit your nearest Community Resource Center. This is the recommended option if you are facing immediate disconnection.
- Apply by Mail or Drop Box: You can mail your application and supporting documents to your nearest Community Resource Center or use the drop boxes available in front of all centers for contactless submission. Ensure your application is in an envelope with your name on it.
- Apply Online: While online applications are temporarily unavailable as of the last update, it’s worth checking the Miami-Dade County website for updates on online application availability in the future.
For in-person or mail applications, you can find the locations of Community Resource Centers and further contact information on the Miami-Dade County website.
Beyond LIHEAP: Exploring Other Assistance Programs
While LIHEAP is a vital resource, Miami-Dade residents may also explore other programs that can help with utility bills. For example, Florida Power & Light (FPL) offers the Care To Share program in Miami, which provides assistance through donations from other customers and matching funds. Exploring all available options can help ensure you receive the support you need to manage your energy expenses.
Take Action and Get the Energy Assistance You Deserve
Don’t let energy bills overwhelm you. LIHEAP is a valuable program designed to help Miami-Dade County residents maintain essential home energy services. Review the eligibility requirements, gather your documents, and apply today. Whether you are facing a crisis or need regular assistance, help is available. Visit a Community Resource Center or check the Miami-Dade County website to begin your application process and take control of your energy bills.
