Pinellas County Health and Human Services Department provides emergency energy assistance of up to $600 to senior citizens unable to pay their power bills.

Funds from the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco/Pinellas Inc. can help residents age 60 and older who are in danger of having their power disconnected during the designated cooling and heating seasons when demand and bills are higher than normal.

Eligible seniors must have a crisis with a delinquent notice 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 fans, heaters and blankets. 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 $16,245 a year. For two people, the income limit is $21,855 (add $5,610 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 call for

an appointment and information. Call or email Annie Shaw at (727) 464-8400 in ClearwaterorAnn Eicher at (727) 582-7781 in St. Petersburg. Health and Human Services offices are located at

and at

.

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.

Pinellas County Health and Human Services

Area Agency on Aging

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