Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program opens applications to seniors, homebound

ATLANTA– Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Cooling Assistance, administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Family & Children Services, is available April 1 through July 31, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. ThiE federally-funded program assists low-income, elderly, and disabled Georgians with cooling bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers.

The application period for LIHEAP Cooling Assistance opened on April 1, 2024, to Georgians aged 65 years of age and older or those who are medically homebound. All other eligible residents can apply starting May 1, 2024.

Funds are administered through local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted. To qualify, a family’s 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 $29,713; the income threshold for a household of five is $66,284.

Georgians seeking assistance must contact their local CAA. All applicants will be asked to provide the following:

• Most recent cooling bill or statement of service from their heating providers. 
• Social Security numbers for each member of the household. 
• Proof of citizenship for each member of the household. 
• Proof of income for the last 30 days for each adult member of the household (e.g., paycheck stub or a public assistance verification letter). 
• Verification of Social Security or unemployment benefits for all applicable household members.

For more information on the program, contact DHS toll-free at 404-657-3426. To find a CAA in your area, visit georgiacaa.org