Emergency energy assistance available for senior citizens
Article published on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 |
PINELLAS COUNTY – Pinellas County Health and Human Services Department provides emergency energy assistance of up to $400 to senior citizens unable to pay their power bills.
Funds from the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco/Pinellas Inc. can help residents 60 and older in danger of having their power disconnected during the prime cooling and heating seasons when demand and bills are higher than normal. Eligible seniors must have a crisis with a “statement of interruption” from the utility company, or a notice that power has been shut off to be considered for help.
They may also qualify to receive repairs to a cooling unit or a voucher for a fan. Applications are now being accepted.
Eligible seniors can receive help up to twice a year during each high-demand season. Health and Human Services staff members screen applicants to determine if they meet income limits. The income limit is 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline. For a household of one, the limit is $15,600 a year. For two people, the income limit is $21,000 (add $5,400 for each additional member of family units with more than eight members.)
Prospective clients can either stop by a Health and Human Services office or request a home visit.
Health and Human Services offices are located at 2189 Cleveland St., Suite 230, Clearwater and at 647 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg.
Call Annie Shaw at 464-8400 in the Clearwater office or Ann Eicher at 582-7781 in St. Petersburg.
Assistance is provided without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, disability, religion or national origin.
This program is funded by Area Agency on Aging of Pasco/Pinellas, Inc.
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Article published on Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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