Tens of millions of dollars remain available to customers due to an increase in funding

United Way and the 211 community helpline are committed to ensuring that South Florida residents have access to basic everyday needs during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Both organizations continue to work to ensure the most vulnerable in the community have the support they need.

A critical aspect to the community is reliable electricity, particularly as more people work from home and many students begin the school year virtually. Florida Power & Light Company, which provides electricity to most South Florida residents, has suspended disconnections for nonpayment, offered payment extensions and waived late fees since mid-March.

The company is also referring customers to agencies, like the 211 community helpline, to help secure financial assistance, which has increased significantly as a result of the pandemic. In Florida, federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has increased 60% due to COVID-19 and approximately $30 million remains available for FPL customers.

“It’s so important for customers to take action now and not wait until the last minute to get the financial help they need,” said Kathleen Cannon, president and CEO of the United Way of Broward County. “While there is significant funding available to help pay electric bills, securing financial assistance is a process that typically doesn’t happen overnight. So, we’re urging Floridians to take the time to contact the 211 helpline and ensure they get the help they need as quickly as possible.”

“The need for assistance permeates throughout our community year-round and it’s only been amplified by the pandemic,” said Candi Spitz, development director for 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast. “We’re urging residents experiencing hardship and who are behind on their bills to contact us at 211 as soon as possible so we can help connect them with assistance.”

Because of COVID-19, qualification standards have been modified which means more residents are eligible for help. After a customer applies through an assistance agency for financial help, the agency typically works directly with FPL to send payment.

About 211

211 is a confidential, community helpline and crisis hotline service providing immediate guidance and support for individuals and families who find themselves without answers to problems they may face on a daily basis. 211 is a private nonprofit 501(c)3 agency whose mission is to connect people to services 24 hours a day by understanding their individual emotional, financial, and community needs. For more information, please visit www.211palmbeach.org

About United Way of Broward County

United Way of Broward County is a volunteer driven, community-based, non-profit organization servicing Broward County. United Way of Broward County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in the community. For more information, please visit www.UnitedWayBroward.org.

About United Way of Miami-Dade

United Way of Miami-Dade is an innovative force in the community, successfully responding to emerging needs and transforming people’s lives. We invest in quality programs, advocate for better policies, engage people in the community and generate resources. For more information, please visit unitedwaymiami.org.