Counties to offer emergency energy assistance for seniors

Senior citizens may be eligible for $600 to help pay power bills through the Emergency Energy Assistance Program.

To receive assistance, county residents who are age 60 or older must have a crisis with a delinquent notice from the utility company or a notice that power has been shut off. They may also qualify for a voucher for heaters and blankets. In hot weather, they may qualify to receive repairs to a cooling unit or a voucher for a fan.

Funded by the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco/Pinellas Inc., the program enables eligible seniors to receive help up to twice a year during each high-demand season. Pinellas County Health and Human Services staff members screen applicants to determine if they meet income limits: 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, a limit of $16,355 a year on a household of one. For two people, the income limit is $22,065. There is an addition of $5,730 for each additional household member.

Prospective clients can either stop by a Health and Human Services office or call for

an appointment and information.  Call Annie Shaw at (727) 464-8400 in Clearwater or Anne Eicher at (727) 582-7781 in St. Petersburg. Health and Human Services offices are located at 2189 Cleveland St., Suite 230, Clearwater, and at 647 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

Assistance is provided without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, disability, religion or national origin.