Official Lee County Government Web Site

LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

LIHEAP is an entitlement program that assists with electric bills for heating and cooling.  Due to limited funding, help is available for households that have an elderly or disabled member, or with a child 5 and under.  The total household gross income must be at, or below, 150% of the poverty level.  See the Income Level chart to determine if you meet this requirement.  Applications require picture ID for person making application, Social Security cards and proof of income for all household members, and an original utility bill.  At least one household member must be a legal resident.  Applications are available by appointment only in our Fort Myers office.  Please call in advance to make sure funding is available.

If LIHEAP is not available, help with electric bills may also be available through either CTS (Care to Share-FP&L customers only) or Emergency Services Utilities.

LIHEAP Regular - Not for deposits or to prevent disconnection.  This is a once-per-year benefit.  Applications can take 15-30 days to process and, if approved, a credit will appear on a future electric bill.
LIHEAP Crisis - Available for deposits/re-connection or to prevent disconnection.  The maximum benefit is currently $400.00 and available twice per year; once during the Winter season (Oct 1 - Mar 31) and once during the Summer season (Apr 1 - Sept 30).  Electric bill must either show a past-due amount or be a final or disconnect notice.  Applications normally take 48 hours to process.  In the event loss of power would cause a life-threatening situation for anyone in the household, application can be worked in 18 hours. Any benefit received must resolve the crisis.  For example, if the utility bill is larger than the maximum benefit, the power company will be called to verify that the benefit available will prevent disconnection.  If not, the applicant would be required to pay the difference before any benefit is committed to the power company.  It is also possible to combine the Crisis and Regular benefits in such cases if funding is available.
Applications for LIHEAP are taken by appointment only. Please call 533-7900 for information on this process.

home