Seniors may be eligible for $5K to save on energy bills

This browser does not support the video element.

ORLANDO, Fla. — As hot temperatures are on the rise, so are energy bills.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Some Central Florida households may be eligible for financial assistance to cover those high bills.

Qualified seniors can receive up to $5,000 through the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Elderly Program.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funds the EHEAP.

Read: 9 tips to save on electric costs this summer

Seniors must live in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard Counties and be over 60.

They must also receive benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Social Security or Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. Seniors are eligible even if they apply to all of these programs.

Read: Rep. Frost unveils bill to help seniors who suffer without power during major storms

Here are some additional requirements:

  • The senior must provide proof of residence through a valid form of identification.
  • The applicant must experience a “home energy crisis,” like past due bills or a disconnection.

Read: Feeling the summer heat? Here are tips to prevent heat exhaustion

These are the three partner agencies that will process applications:

  • Osceola Council on Aging in Osceola and Orange Counties at (407) 846-8532
  • Meals on Wheels in Seminole County at (407) 333-8877
  • Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation in Brevard County at (321) 253-4430

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.