Emergency Energy Assistance Available For SeniorsPinellas County Health and Human Services Department can provide 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 both demand and bills are higher than normal. Eligible seniors must have a crisis with a 'statement of interruption' or a past due bill from the utility company to be considered for help. Repairs to heating units may also be available, as well as vouchers for heaters. Applications are now being accepted. Eligible seniors can receive help up to twice a year during each high-demand season. As much as $400 is available to keep power bills current. Health and Human Services staff members will screen those seeking assistance 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 $15,315 a year. For two people, the income limit is $20,535 (Add $5,220 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 647 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. For an appointment and information call Annie Shaw in the Clearwater office at (727) 464-8400, or Ann Eicher in the St. Petersburg office at (727) 582-7781. Assistance is provided without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, disability, religion or national origin.
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