Energy assistance program opens to low-income elderly, disabled May 1

Eligible residents may apply for cooling assistance through the Division of Family and Children Service’s (DFCS) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) beginning May 1.

LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that is designed to assist low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with cooling costs through direct payments to home energy suppliers. Eligible households will receive between $350 to $400 toward their energy costs.

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 $22,839. The income threshold for a household of five is $50,948.

Funds are administered through local Georgia Community Action Agencies (GCAA). Contact your local GCAA to determine how the program will accept applications and if any demographic will receive priority service. To find a Community Action Agency in your area, visit http://www.georgiacaa.org.

Those seeking assistance may apply starting on May 1 and will be asked to provide the following:

• The most recent cooling bill or statement of service from their heating providers
• Most recent heating bill or statement of service
• Social Security cards for each member of the household
• Proof of Citizenship for the applicant
• 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 public assistance verification letter

• Verification of Social Security or unemployment benefits for all applicable household

members

For more information on the program, contact the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services at 404-657-3426.