Broward County, Florida, residents struggling to pay their electricity bills may qualify for financial assistance. However, applying for help will not prevent power shutoffs.
Here's what to know
Broward County administers the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program through its Family Success Administration Division, according to CiberCuba.
For qualifying households, assistance comes as a payment sent directly to the electric company. LIHEAP receives local funding through Florida and support from HHS to help cover electricity costs.
A household's income has to be within the limit for its size to qualify. Annual income limits effective Oct. 1, 2026, are $33,733 for one person, $44,113 for two people, $54,493 for three, and $64,873 for four. The limit continues to rise, extending to a household size of nine people.
Citizenship or eligible immigration status must be documented for every household member. Noncitizens may qualify with proof of lawful permanent residence or other records establishing qualified immigration status.
More background
Preparing Broward's application paperwork means assembling readable digital copies — scans or photographs — before opening the LIHEAP portal. These include the applicant's government-issued photo identification, every household member's Social Security number, and a valid FPL bill.
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Households must also document all household income from the previous 30 days. Accepted records include consecutive pay stubs and statements for disability, Supplemental Security Income, retirement, unemployment, pensions, child support, veterans benefits, or workers' compensation.
Applicants cannot use W-2 forms or bank statements to establish income.
A housing contract is also required for households in Section 8 or public housing. It must include a lease modification or rental change notice showing the tenant's payment information and utility allowance.
Form 50058 or 50059 is another option for these households, provided it lists their name and utility allowance.
What can be done?
Since November 2023, Broward has accepted applications only online, so residents can no longer apply by mail.
If the portal isn't accepting requests, residents should return later and try again. These temporary pauses allow staff to work through an application backlog.
Processing can take up to 15 business days. During that time, applicants should avoid submitting duplicate requests and arrange any necessary payment plan directly with FPL.
Broward residents should also use their county's program rather than Miami-Dade's separate application channels, contacts, or deadlines.
Saving Steps offers eligible low- or moderate-income customers a one-time $200 bill credit, subject to available funding. According to CiberCuba, Care to Share provides qualifying households with up to $750 over 12 months for households facing imminent disconnection, but requires exhausting other assistance, including LIHEAP, first.
Residents seeking an update on their Broward LIHEAP application can call 954-357-5025. The county's call center handles application-status inquiries on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Where can I learn more?
Households across the United States can get help paying their energy bills. These stories offer examples of heating aid, utility discounts, eligibility rules, and in-person enrollment help in other states.
• In Virginia, a month-long application window offers up to $600 in heating assistance.
• Illinois utility assistance opens Oct. 1, offering bill relief and discounts alongside furnace repairs.
• Massachusetts renters and homeowners can qualify for winter heating help under income eligibility rules.
• New York utility customers can get bill credit enrollment help at in-person events before winter.
• New York aims to help 2.5 million households get utility discounts up to $500.
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