DFCS to provide heating assistance to Georgia customers

ATLANTA — The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the local Community Action Agency (CAA) throughout Georgia with funding provided by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, will be available beginning Nov. 1, 2021. The federally-funded program assists low-income elderly and disabled Georgians with heating bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers.

Beginning today, residents aged 65 and older or those who are medically homebound can apply for assistance through the Division’s LIHEAP. All other eligible residents may apply for assistance the following month, beginning on Dec. 1.

Funds will be administered through local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted.

To qualify, a family’s annual income must be less than or equal to 60 percent of the median income for a Georgia family. For a household of one, the income threshold is $26,474; the income threshold for a household of five is $59,057.

Those seeking assistance must contact their local CAA. All applicants must provide the following:

1. Most recent energy bill or statement of service from their service providers;
2. Social Security numbers for each member of the household;
3. Proof of Citizenship for each member of the household;
4. Proof of Income for the last 30 days for each adult member of the household;

Proof of Income can include, but is not limited to, a paycheck stub or a letter granting public assistance, and,

1. Social Security or unemployment benefits for all household members, if applicable.

For more information on the program or to find a CAA in your area, visit http://www.georgiacaa.org.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Frequently Asked Questions 

What is LIHEAP and how can LIHEAP help me?

LIHEAP, which stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a federal program that helps low-income households pay for heating or cooling their homes. This program will help you pay your energy bill for heating or cooling your home.

I have applied and received LIHEAP cooling assistance this program year. Can I still apply for LIHEAP heating assistance?
Yes, each household is eligible to apply for one heating assistance and one cooling assistance per program year.

I was denied LIHEAP cooling assistance this program year. Am I eligible for LIHEAP heating assistance?
LIHEAP heating and cooling assistance adhere to the same eligibility guidelines. You will need to contact your local community action agency to determine eligibility for assistance.

Will LIHEAP pay for my whole utility bill?

Your benefit amount is determined by your household size, income, and if there are seniors present in the home. For the heating program, eligible households will receive a stipend toward their energy costs.

How soon can I apply for heating assistance?

You will need to contact your local Community Action Agency to determine the date that you will be able to apply for heating assistance. Elderly and medically homebound applicants will have a priority period the first month of implementation. All other eligible customers will be allowed to apply the month following the priority period.

Can I complete a heating assistance application online?

No, all energy assistance applicants must contact the local Community Action Agency that serves the county in which the customer resides.

What do I need for the appointment?

You will need to check with your local Community Action Agency for the information needed for the intake process. Examples of information needed will include:

•   picture identification

•   social security cards for each member in the household

•   proof of income for the past 30 days

•   current electric bill and heating bill, etc.