Hillsborough County Social Services — A Plain-English Guide to Programs for Tampa Area Residents
Hillsborough County Social Services runs the programs that used to be called the Community Action Agency — so if you've seen older references to that name online, this is the same place. Four Community Resource Centers spread across the county handle intake for most programs, and all of them connect through one central phone number: (813) 272-5220. That's your starting point for almost everything on this page.
What this guide does that the county's own website doesn't is explain what each program actually means in plain terms — who it's for, what it covers, and what to expect when you call.
Help with your electric or energy bill — LIHEAP and EHEAP
LIHEAP is the program most people are looking for when they're behind on a utility bill. It pays a benefit directly to your utility provider — you don't see the money, it goes straight to the account. You have to be a Hillsborough County resident responsible for your own energy bill, and your household income has to fall within the program's limits.
- Call (813) 272-5220 to find out if you qualify based on your current income and household size — eligibility thresholds change annually so always confirm current numbers when you call. Households with a child under 5, a senior 60 or older, or a disabled member are prioritized during peak times, which matters in Florida summers when demand spikes. See the NHPB guide to Florida LIHEAP low income help.
EHEAP covers the same type of help but is specifically for households where at least one person is 60 or older. Appointments can be done by phone or virtually, which helps seniors who have trouble getting to an office. Same number to start: (813) 272-5220.
Before you call, pull together your Social Security numbers, two documents showing your Hillsborough County address, recent income verification for everyone in the household, and your current energy bill. Having these ready speeds things up significantly.
Emergency financial help — rent, eviction, and crisis needs
If you're facing eviction or a utility shutoff and need more than just energy assistance, a case manager at any Community Resource Center can review your full situation. One-time emergency funds may be available for rent, with payments going directly to your landlord rather than to you.
There's no guarantee of a set amount — it depends on your circumstances and available funding — but showing up with documentation of the crisis and a plan for how you'll stabilize your situation strengthens your case. Assistance is short-term and paired with a self-sufficiency plan, which may include referrals to job programs or state benefits.
Hillsborough County Health Care Plan
This is a locally run health care program for very low-income county residents who don't qualify for Medicaid and can't afford private coverage. It covers medical and dental care through participating providers. Many people don't know this exists because it doesn't get the same attention as state or federal programs — it's funded locally and specifically designed to fill the gap for people who earn too much for Medicaid but still can't afford care. Call (813) 272-5220 to ask about current income limits and how to enroll.
Free tax preparation — VITA
During tax season, the county partners with the United Way and other organizations to offer free tax preparation through the federal VITA program. If you've been paying a commercial tax preparer, this is worth looking into — it's the same result at no cost for qualifying residents. Visit https://hcfl.gov/residents/human-services/financial-assistance/free-tax-preparation or call the main line for current-year dates and locations, as these change each season.
Senior services — in-home care and transportation
For residents 60 and older who need help managing daily life at home — bathing, dressing, housekeeping, meal preparation — the county's aging services division can arrange in-home support. This is for people who are functionally impaired and at risk of losing their independence. It's not widely advertised, and many families don't discover it until a situation becomes urgent. Call the Aging Services Central Intake line at (813) 272-5250 to ask what's available.
The Sunshine Line provides door-to-door transportation for elderly, low-income, and disabled residents without reliable access to a car. It's used primarily for medical appointments, grocery trips, and nutrition sites. Income guidelines apply — call (813) 272-7272 to find out if you qualify and how to schedule rides.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Low-income families with children from birth through age 4 may qualify for Head Start, which combines early education with health screenings, dental care, nutrition support, and family services. Hillsborough County runs this as its own department with classrooms across the county. Visit https://hcfl.gov/departments/head-start or call the main Social Services line for enrollment information.
SNAP — food assistance
One important clarification: Hillsborough County Social Services does not handle SNAP directly. In Florida, SNAP is administered by the Department of Children and Families. Apply at dcf.myflorida.com or call DCF at 1-866-762-2237. County staff can refer you there if you ask.
The four Community Resource Centers
Any resident can use any location — you don't have to go to the one closest to your address. The phone for all centers: (813) 272-5220 and website is https://hcfl.gov/departments/social-services
Lee Davis Community Resource Center — 3402 N. 22nd Street, Tampa
Plant City Community Resource Center — 307 N. Michigan Avenue, Plant City
University Community Resource Center — 13605 N. 22nd Street, Tampa
West Tampa Community Resource Center — 2103 N. Rome Avenue, Tampa
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