New Access Cards Coming Soon!

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is continuing to provide new ACCESS cards to clients who receive public assistance benefits. These new cards feature a lighthouse design and are replacing the American flag design to provide a more durable card.

The new card is for customers who receive benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP (formerly known as food stamps), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Refugee Assistance, and Food Assistance Employment and Training. The card has been distributed to new customers and as replacements for lost, stolen or damaged cards.

Beginning January 23, 2012, the new ACCESS lighthouse card will be mailed to customers who are still using the American flag card. These cards will be mailed to customers living in Florida over the next few months (please see chart below). Customers should destroy their old flag card and begin using the new ACCESS card. The ACCESS card is active and ready for immediate use and the PIN will remain the same. The American flag cards will be cut off in 90 days and will no longer be accepted after July 30, 2012.

Similar to a commercial credit or debit card, the new card will have an expiration date and will be replaced automatically every four years. Authorized retailers statewide have been informed of this change, and posters and fliers have been distributed through community partners and in DCF service centers.

ACCESS Card 2012 Rollout Schedule

Counties and Months

If you do not receive your ACCESS card in the month listed, please call the EBT card replacement line at 866-430-8999 or to EBT Customer Service at 888-356-3281 to request a new ACCESS card.

Energy Assistance Day

The Osceola Council on Aging will be taking calls for Energy Assistance this Tuesday 4/19/2011 starting a 2pm. To call for assistance, use the new direct number for energy assistance by dialing 407-933-9540. This number skips the main menu and goes directly to the energy assistance department. You can still call the main number (407-846-8532) to access assistance however using the direct number is easier and more convenient.

Osceola residents needing utility assistance must call to be screened for eligibility. Osceola County residents household income can not exceed 150% of poverty.

Applicants who fall within one or more of the three vulnerable population guidelines will be considered “most in need” and will be given priority to be served. Applicants who do not fit within the “vulnerable population” guidelines will be served after, if appointments are available.

Criteria for vulnerable population:

• 60 years of age or older
• Disabled (must be recieving disability)
• Families with children age 12 yrs old and under

http://www.osceolagenerations.org/

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Day

Low Income Home

Energy Assistance Day

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will be providing financial assistance to low income Households in Osceola County

Date: Thursday March 10, 2011

Time: 9am - 6pm

Location: Osceola Council on Aging

700 Generation Point

Kissimmee FL , 34744

You qualify for assistance if:

• Your an Osceola Resident

• Your Household is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (See Guidelines Below)

• You have a past due utility bill or your bill is past due

• You have not received LIHEAP assistance from October 2010 thru Present

What you need to bring:

Social Security Cards for everyone in the household

Id for the applicant

Utility bill

Proof of income

• Last 4 weeks of paystubs and/or
• Unemployement letter and/or
• Child Support documents and/or
• Food stamps or any government assistance award letter (SSI or SSDI)
• Any adult without proof of income must be present to sign a Self Declaration statement

Poverty Income Guidelines (150%)

Family Size

1 Person          $1354 monthly

2 Persons        $1821 monthly

3 Persons        $2289 monthly.

4 Persons        $2757 monthly.

5 Persons        $3224 monthly.

6 Persons        $3691 monthly.

7 Persons        $4159 monthly.

8 Persons        $4626 monthly.

Numbers reflect Gross Income

Energy Assistance Day Tuesday 1/18/11 @ 2pm

 

The Osceola Council on Aging will be taking calls for Energy Assistance this Tuesday 1/18/2011 starting a 2pm. To call for assistance, use the new direct number for energy assistance by dialing 407-933-9540. This number skips the main menu and goes directly to the energy assistance department. You can still call the main number (407-846-8532) to access assistance however using the direct number is easier and more convenient.

Osceola residents needing utility assistance must call to be screened for eligibility. Osceola County residents household income can not exceed 150% of poverty.

Poverty Income Guidelines (150%)

1 Person $16,245.

2 Persons $21,855.

3 Persons $27,465.

4 Persons $33,075.

5 Persons $38,685.

6 Persons $44,295.

7 Persons $49,905.

8 Persons $55,515

Applicants who fall within one or more of the three vulnerable population guidelines will be considered “most in need” and will be given priority to be served. Applicants who do not fit within the “vulnerable population” guidelines will be served after, if appointments are available.

Criteria for vulnerable population:

• 60 years of age or older
• Disabled (must be recieving disability)
• Families with children age 12 yrs old and under

Rent/mortgage, utilities, and food assistance

Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Inc. has funds available for rent/mortgage, utility assistance, and also has a food pantry.

1771 N. Semoran Blvd.

Orlando, Fl 32807

Phone: 407-658-0999

Criteria for fianancial assistance

One time assistance

Families or individuals facing financial difficulties with an unexpected emeregency situation

Demonstrate ability to pay bills in the future

New Phone Number for Energy Assistance

New LIHEAP phone number 407-933-9540.

The Osceola Council on Aging's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has a new direct phone number. Skip the main number menu and go directly to the energy assistance department by dialing 407-933-9540. You can still call the main number (407-846-8532) to access assistance however using the direct number is easier and more convenient.
We will be taking calls this Tuesday 10/5/2010 starting a 2pm. Osceola residents needing utility assistance must call to be screened for eligibility. Osceola County residents household income can not exceed 150% of poverty.

Poverty Income Guidelines (150%)
1 Person $16,245.

2 Persons $21,855.

3 Persons $27,465.

4 Persons $33,075.

5 Persons $38,685.

6 Persons $44,295.

7 Persons $49,905.

8 Persons $55,515

Applicants who fall within one or more of the three vulnerable population guidelines will be considered “most in need” and will be given priority to be served. Applicants who do not fit within the “vulnerable population” guidelines will be served after, if appointments are available.

Criteria for vulnerable population:

• 60 years of age or older
• Disabled (must be recieving disability)
• Families with children age 12 yrs old and under

http://www.osceolagenerations.org/

Energy Assistance Day

The Osceola Council on Aging's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is taking calls this Wednesday 9/22/2010 starting a 2pm. Osceola residents needing utility assistance must call 407-846-8532 to be screened for eligibility. Osceola County residents household income can not exceed 150% of poverty.

Poverty Income Guidelines (150%)
1 Person $16,245.

2 Persons $21,855.

3 Persons $27,465.

4 Persons $33,075.

5 Persons $38,685.

6 Persons $44,295.

7 Persons $49,905.

8 Persons $55,515

Applicants who fall within one or more of the three vulnerable population guidelines will be considered “most in need” and will be given priority to be served. Applicants who do not fit within the “vulnerable population” guidelines will be served after, if appointments are available.

Criteria for vulnerable population:

• 60 years of age or older
• Disabled (must be recieving disability)
• Families with children age 12 yrs old and under

http://www.osceolagenerations.org/