Georgia’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance programs will be delayed until Jan. 2

ATLANTA–Georgia’s Community Action Agencies has announced that the start of the 2025–2026 Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) season will be delayed, as agencies await final funding and guidance from the Georgia Department of Human Services. 

Officials say the recent federal shutdown and temporary federal budget have prompted the delays and LIHEAP appointments will not open as planned on Dec. 1. 

“Across the state, agencies are aligned on one message: We do not want to promise services before funding and clear direction are firmly in place,” the agencies stated.

The Partnership for Community Action programs will begin accepting LIHEAP appointments on Jan. 2, 2026 for senior households or medically homebound households with a disconnect notice.

“This decision reflects our commitment to fairness, accuracy, and ensuring that families receive help as soon as it is operationally and financially responsible,” the agency stated in a news release.

What This Means for You:

• PCA willnot open LIHEAP appointments on Dec. 1.
• The appointment portal will open on Jan. 2, 2026 for Senior Citizens and medically homebound with a disconnection.
• Appointments will open Feb. 2, 2026 for the General Public.
• Households in some parts of Georgia may see different timelines due to local capacity and funding flow.
• Once funding is released by DHS, benefits will be applied as quickly as possible.