Family Self-sufficiency  
The Family Self-sufficiency program is designed to assist eligible families in attaining the skills, knowledge and motivation necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.

To qualify for Family Self-sufficiency services client households must meet 125% of the United States Department of Health and Human Services' low-income poverty guidelines and allowable and unallowable sources of income. Clients must show proper ID and proof of household income.
Emergency Assistance program
The Emergency Assistance program may help eligible households with immediate financial emergencies and other types of disaster. The program provides referrals for services such as food, shelter, medicine, emergency health, housing, day care, transportation assistance; financial management assistance, job counseling, placement and training services, and homeless prevention programs.

To qualify for the Emergency Assistance Program client households must meet 125% of the United States Department of Health and Human Services' low-income poverty guidelines and allowable and unallowable sources of income. Clients must provide a copy or original energy bill, show proper ID and provide proof of income for every member of the household.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

LIHEAP, The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program assists eligible low-income households to meet the costs of home heating and cooling, by providing utility payment assistance. The program can assist customers in paying their home energy expenses. Three categories of assistance exist: home energy assistance, crisis assistance, and weather related or supply shortage emergency assistance.

Each category has unique requirements.

To qualify for the Emergency Assistance Program client households must meet 150% of the United States Department of Health and Human Services' low-income poverty guidelines and allowable and unallowable sources of income. The household must provide proof, such as a utility bill, that they are responsible for all or part of the energy costs for the household.  Typically, applicants will need copies or originals of the energy bill and proof of income for every member of the household.

1. Home Energy Assistance is a one time payment benefit toward the household's energy account. The amount of the benefit is based on the total household income.

2. Emergency Crisis may assist eligible households who are about to have their utilities cut off due to nonpayment, or whose utilities have already been disconnected. The amount is based on need, up to the maximum allowed per household

3. Disaster Relief is offered during inclement weather (extreme heat or freezing weather) when the state has declared a weather emergency. This assistance may include utility payments, air conditioning units, heaters, fans and blankets.

To qualify for this program, participants must be at or below 150% of poverty level, show proper ID and proof of household income and provide a copy of the utility bill and proof of energy disconnection.

Osceola County residents who are identified as
"vulnerable population" may apply for assistance with utility bills.

Criteria for vulnerable population:

-60 years of age or older
-Disabled
-Families with children age 5 yrs old & under.

Applicants who fall within one or more of the three vulnerable population guidelines will be considered "most in need" and given priority to be served during the first two (2) weeks following utility cut-off notices.

Customers who do not fit within the "vulnerable population" guidelines will be served after all of the applicants who meet the criteria for "vulnerable population" have been considered.

Proof of household income is required. Some of the documentation that may be needed during your appointment:

-Proof of household income
-Proof of Osceola County Residency
-Photo ID
-Utility Bill (cut-off notice for Crisis benefit)
-Social Security Card

Other documentation may be needed in order to determine eligibility.

We accept calls for appointments on the FIRST & THIRD TUESDAY of every month
starting at 2pm until the waiting list is filled. Phone: 407-846-8532

2009 Federal Poverty Guidelines
 
Family Size
  125% Poverty Monthly Threshold
  150% Poverty Monthly Threshold
 1  $1,128  $1,354
 2  $1,518  $1,821
 3  $1,907  $2,289
 4  $2,297  $2,756
 5  $2,686  $3,224
 6  $3,076  $3,691
 7  $3,466  $4,159
 8  $3,855  $4,626

The Council on Aging has a 'dual role' Health Clinic Services program. The location for the Health Services Program is 700 Generation Point in Kissimmee. All inquires regarding appointments and services begin at this site.

The Health Clinic is for persons 18 years and older, without health insurance and who meet income qualifications. It provides primary, secondary and chronic illness management for adult patients. The health clinic has a full time medical staff and also works with more than 50 volunteer referral physicians.

The health clinic has an attending nurse who provides seniors blood pressure and blood glucose screenings Monday thru Friday, 9am – 5pm. Congregate Dining clients are welcome to 'drop-in' to the clinic to get blood pressure and blood glucose screenings completed. If Congregate Dining clients have questions regarding medications or other medical related topics, they can ask at the clinic for assistance.

For community seniors, the same services are available however it is necessary to make an appointment. If needed, seniors without health insurance may also be referred to primary care physicians in the Council's Health Clinic.

For information on the Health Clinic Services schedule or to make an appointment please call 407-846-8532.


Weatherization Assistance

Weatherization Can Reduce Utility Bills - Most families across Osceola County are adjusting their thermostats to cope with the cooler temperatures and windy conditions we experience during the winter months. With longer nights, more heat is lost leaving us searching for a warm reprieve from the temperatures and savings on home heating costs.

With food, fuel and other costs rising, paying the higher cost of a utility bill is becoming more of a challenge. What is causing these higher utility bills? The problem is energy loss through poor insulation, and small openings, cracks and spaces around windows, roofs and doors, reports the U.S. Department of Energy. Low income families pay a higher percent of their income for energy consumption, approximately 14% in most cases. Houses damaged by the hurricanes of the past two years are even more prone to energy loss. But there is some good news for those experiencing this situation, the Department of Energy's Weatherization Program.

The Weatherization Program is managed locally by the Osceola 
Council on Aging, Inc. The program provides permanent solutions to reducing this burden on low-income families by using cost-effective, energy efficient materials and supplies. Whether caulking windows, filling gaps in door frames or in some cases adding insulation, the Weatherization Program can assist in making homes more energy efficient and therefore reducing energy bills.

Low-income families can apply for the program by contacting the Council offices at
407-483-1499. Criteria for qualifying include income levels and other variables. This program when implemented will not only help with energy conservation and lower utility costs, but can increase the value of the home as well.

CHORE/Home Repair
The purpose of the Chore and Home Repair Program is to keep senior and people with disabilities safe and secure in their homes.

The Chore Program includes duties such as major/heavy cleaning installing grab bars or any assistive devices, installing locks, installing smoke detectors, pest control or any other small jobs that may be required.

The Home Repair Program includes everything from roofs to floors. We repair or replace roofs, replace windows, doors, floors and build ramps or stairs as necessary.

For information on the Chore and Home Repair Program, contact 407-483-1499.
Osceola Council on Aging
Barney E. Veal Center
700 Generation Point
Kissimmee, FL 34744
Phone: 407-846-8532
Fax: 407-846-8550