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St. Johns County offering utility assistance for low-income seniors

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. —

St. Johns County is offering utility assistance for its low-income seniors currently at risk of losing service.

The Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program covers the cost of qualifying seniors’ electric bill.

Payment is made to the company or landlord (if utilities are included with the rent) on behalf of the household that meets income and residency criteria.

Benefit payment amounts are determined based on a documented home energy crisis and eligibility guidelines:

  • Elder (60+) must be experiencing a verifiable home energy crisis.
  • Household income must be below 150% of the federal poverty level.
  • Utility bills must be past due for assistance with this program.
  • The applicant is a St. Johns County resident.

Cannot be a resident of a group living facility or a home where the cost of residency is subsidized through a program administered by the state.

Cannot be a student living in a dormitory.

  • Complete the entire EHEAP application and provide all required documentation

All applicant/household EHEAP benefit(s) must be combined. Each applicant/household is allowed up to $5,000 each until instructed otherwise. Allowable categories for financial assistance include past-due utility payments for heating/cooling, deposits to restore energy, and late, disconnect, or reconnect fees. Categories not eligible for financial assistance include water, sewer, and garbage charges, meter tampering charges, or return check charges.

The Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) was previously administered by the Council on Aging but will now be managed by St. Johns County.

The application can be found online by visiting http://www.sjcfl.us/SocialServices/index.aspx.

Completed applications can be mailed to 200 San Sebastian View, Suite 2300, St. Augustine, FL 32084. For more information or assistance with the application process, please call 904-209-6140.

Samantha Mathers

Samantha Mathers, Action News Jax

Samantha Mathers is a digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax.