Local briefs

MANATEE -- Low-income Manatee County seniors can apply for the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly grant.

The grant, which offers financial help to residents ages 60 and older who have an economic hardship, can be given to Florida Power & Light and Peace River Electric Cooperative customers.

The county, which has about $4,500 per month to distribute to customers through March 31, 2017, still has approximately $1,500 of funding available now through March 31 from the current grant year, according to a news release.

"These are crisis benefits -- you're in jeopardy of having your power turned off or need it turned back on," Tracie Adams, county human services manager, said in the release. "Recipients must have a final notice, past due amount or have their power disconnected in order to get the financial assistance."

The county may approve up to $600 for a household twice a year -- once during the cooling season April 1 through Sept. 30, and once during the heating season Oct. 1 through March 31, according to the release.

Applicants must earn a gross household annual income equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which equates to $17,655 or less for a one-person household or less than $23,895 for a two-person household.

Information: Call 941-749-3030.

This story was originally published March 18, 2016 at 10:58 PM with the headline "Local briefs ."