ATLANTA — Residents who are 65 and older or homebound may apply for heating assistance through the Division’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) beginning Nov. 1. All other eligible families may apply on Dec. 1.

LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that assists low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with heating bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers.

Funds are administered through the local Community Action Agencies on a first-come, first-serve basis until all available funding is exhausted. In 2016, the LIHEAP program helped more than 137,000 customers with heating bills, providing over $43 million in total assistance.  The average customer received between $310 and $350 in assistance with their home heating bills.

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 $22,045; the income threshold for a household of five is $49,178.

Those seeking assistance may apply with their local Community Action Agencies starting on Nov. 1 and will be asked to provide the following:

  • The most recent heating bill or statement of service from their heating providers
  • The 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. 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.

To find a Community Action Agency in your area, visit http://www.georgiacaa.org.