Individual Florida electric bill assistance programs are available for lower income utility customers that find themselves temporarily available to make their electricity payment. You can get help with delinquent power bills, thereby avoiding the shutoffs that can be inconvenient, embarrassing and potentially dangerous.
Power officials know that some bills can be difficult to handle, especially when enduring a record heatwave that can make long days seem even longer. When you combine a heatwave with another financial emergency, it can make for some tough decisions on who to pay.
The federal government already supplies funding to local agencies through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Local social services departments are normally responsible for accepting applications for electric bill aid, screening those applications, administering any financial education programs and distributing money towards electric bills.
To facilitate the process of applying, many communities provide online applications for help with your power bill. This can save you the aggravation and embarrassment of having to stand in line at Social Services. An online tool will walk you through the eligibility requirements and allow you to submit your application for consideration.
The Florida Department of Community Affairs caps eligibility at 150% of the current Federal poverty level. Providers through the Division of Housing and Community Development are responsible for the administration of federal funds at the local level.
In addition to federal funds, some communities are served by charitable assistance programs that can help with overdue light bills. To find the programs serving you, contact your local community services, community action agency or your utility company directly. You can get electric bill assistance through one of these programs serving every community in Florida. You do not have to suffer the consequences alone when you are unable to afford your electric bill.
Long is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Industrial Relations. He subsequently received his Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. His Certificate in Financial Planning was issued by Florida State University.
Long has achieved the Accredited Credit Counselor and Accredited Financial Counselor certifications through the Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education. Long originally achieved the Certified Credit Counselor designation through the National Institute for Financial Education.
In addition to years of nonprofit leadership, Long has been an innovator in the field of volunteer tax return preparation programs. He assists volunteer associations and nonprofit organizations who seek to integrate credit counseling and asset-building programs with free personal income tax preparation. His approach to using free credit reports as both an incentive and a screening tool for placement into asset-building programs has been shared with members of the National Community Tax Coalition, the EITC-Carolinas Initiative of MDC, Inc. and nonprofit groups across the Carolinas.
Long assists members of our armed forces in the Carolinas, Iowa, Rhode Island, Georgia and Germany with financial readiness. Please support our Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors!
Favorite quote:
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."
Thomas Jefferson
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