Broward County electric bill assistance is available, but it won’t prevent shutoffs

A household’s income must fall within the size-based limit to qualify.

Residents of Broward County, Florida, who are having trouble paying their electric bills may be eligible for financial help. Even so, submitting an application does not stop a utility shutoff.

What to know

Broward County runs the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program through its Family Success Administration Division, according to CiberCuba.

For approved households, aid is issued as a payment sent directly to the electric utility. LIHEAP is funded locally in Florida and also receives support from HHS to help offset electricity costs.

To qualify, a household’s income must fit within the limit for its household size. The annual income caps effective Oct. 1, 2026 are $33,733 for one person, $44,113 for two, $54,493 for three and $64,873 for four. The threshold increases with household size, up to nine people.

Every household member must have documentation showing citizenship or eligible immigration status. Noncitizens may qualify if they can provide proof of lawful permanent residence or other documents confirming eligible immigration status.

Additional details

To prepare a Broward application, residents need readable digital copies — such as scans or photos — before they open the LIHEAP portal. Required items include the applicant’s government-issued photo ID, Social Security numbers for all household members and a current FPL bill.

Households must also show all income received during the previous 30 days. Acceptable proof includes consecutive pay stubs and benefit statements for disability, Supplemental Security Income, retirement, unemployment, pensions, child support, veterans benefits or workers’ compensation.

W-2 forms and bank statements cannot be used to verify income.

Households in Section 8 or public housing must also provide a housing contract. It needs to include a lease modification or rent-change notice showing tenant payment information and the utility allowance.

Form 50058 or 50059 is another acceptable option for these households, as long as it lists the applicant’s name and utility allowance.

What residents can do

Since November 2023, Broward has accepted applications only online, so residents can no longer apply by mail.

If the portal is not accepting applications, residents should try again later. These temporary pauses help staff work through a backlog.

Processing may take as long as 15 business days. While waiting, applicants should avoid filing duplicate requests and should arrange any needed payment plan directly with FPL.

Broward residents should also use their county’s own 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, depending on available funding. According to CiberCuba, Care to Share can provide qualifying households with up to $750 over 12 months if they face imminent disconnection, but applicants must first exhaust other aid, including LIHEAP.

Residents who want an update on a Broward LIHEAP application can call 954-357-5025. The county call center answers status questions on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where to learn more

Households around the United States can find help with energy bills. These examples highlight heating aid, utility discounts, eligibility rules and in-person enrollment support in other states.

• In Virginia, a month-long application period offers up to $600 in heating assistance.
• Illinois utility assistance opens Oct. 1, offering bill relief and discounts along with furnace repairs.
• Massachusetts renters and homeowners may qualify for winter heating help under income rules.
• New York utility customers can get help enrolling for bill credits at in-person events before winter.
• New York is seeking to help 2.5 million households access utility discounts of up to $500.