Emergency Home Energy Relief Available for Flagler County Seniors Experiencing a Home Energy Crisis

By: Julie Murphy, Flagler County PIO

Assistance is available for Flagler County residents experiencing a “home energy crisis” through the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP).

Eligibility is determined by gross household income, family size and at least one member of the household must be 60 years old or older. Senior applicants must be a citizen of the United States, or a permanent legal resident who is eligible for federal benefits. Household eligibility may be considered when at least one member, preferably an adult, meets the citizenship/alienage requirements.

“These funds are intended to make payments to utility companies or fuel suppliers, to make repairs to heating or cooling equipment or to resolve other energy emergencies,” said Senior Services Case Manager Winnie Costello. “This program does not pay water bills, or for gas or propane used for cooking or to heat water.”

A home energy emergency may result from a delinquent utility bill, lack of fuel or wood, or the receipt of a shut off notice.

Payments are made directly to the vendor for electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, kerosene, or wood. Blankets, portable heaters, and fans may be purchased. The program can also help pay for repairs to existing heating or cooling equipment or for reconnection fees.

To be eligible for assistance, households must have:

• A documented heating or cooling emergency,
• At least one individual age 60 or older in the home, and
• A gross household annual income equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
• Proper documentation, such as gross income and family size are among other factors considered.

For more information and or to apply for benefits, call Flagler County Social Services Senior Services Division at 386-586-2324, ext. 3621.

The program is administered through a contractual agreement between the Department of Economic Opportunity and the Department of Elder Affairs. Flagler County Senior Services Division is the local provider, and the assistance is made possible through an agreement of the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners with the Northeast Florida Area Agency on Aging – which does business as ElderSource out of Jacksonville.