Georgia Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Georgia’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps residents with low-income pay their energy bills. Managed by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and administered through Community Action Agencies (CAAs), LIHEAP provides financial help to eligible families to cover heating, cooling, and energy-related emergencies. Since funding is limited, the amount you receive and how often you can get assistance depends on available resources. ## How does Georgia LIHEAP work? Georgia LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps residents with low incomes pay their energy bills. This support can help reduce the risk of utility shut offs and keep your home safe and comfortable during extreme temperatures. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for one or more types of help through the program. Types of help include: - Energy bill payment assistance - Energy crisis assistance - Long-term, low-cost residential weatherization assistance In Georgia, LIHEAP is offered in seasonal programs, including a Heating Program in the winter and a Cooling Program in the spring and summer. The Heating Program typically begins in late fall or early winter, and the Cooling Program usually begins in the spring. Start dates may vary each year. Both programs first open to people age 65 or older and those who are medically homebound. ## Who can get help from Georgia LIHEAP? To get help from LIHEAP, you must meet these basic rules: - You must be a U.S. citizen or a legally admitted immigrant. - Your total household income must be at or below 60% of your state’s median income. - You must be responsible for paying your home energy costs, either directly or as part of your rent. The amount you receive in assistance is determined by your household size, income, and the age of residents. Eligible households receive a payment toward their energy costs, usually paid directly to the utility provider. ## How do I apply for Georgia LIHEAP? To apply for Georgia LIHEAP, contact your [local Georgia Community Action Agency](https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency) . You may need to schedule an appointment, depending on your area. Once the application process is complete, the agency will inform you if you are eligible for assistance. When applying, you may be required to provide the following: - Photo I.D. - Names of people in your household - Dates of birth for all household members - Social Security Numbers for all household members - Proof of income for all household members - A recent heating bill **Note:** LIHEAP applications are handled on a first-come, first-served basis by local agencies and funding is limited. It’s best to apply early before funds run out. ## What happens after I apply for Georgia LIHEAP? Each Community Action Agency has a different way in which they review and process applications. You must continue to pay your heating or cooling bill until your application has been processed and approved. To learn more about what to expect after applying for LIHEAP, contact your [Community Action Agency](https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency). ## How can I get help with my application? There are several ways you can get help applying for Georgia LIHEAP. You can: - Contact your [local Community Action Agency](https://georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency) - Ask a trusted family member or friend. - Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you.https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-you[See if there’s one in your area](https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-you). - NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559). ## What if I cannot get help from Georgia LIHEAP? **1. Talk to your utility company ** Call your utility provider and explain that you are having trouble paying your energy bills. Many utility companies in Georgia, such as [Georgia Power](https://www.georgiapower.com/residential/assistance/income-qualified-discount.html), have programs for low-income households that offer lower rates or payment plans. **2. Look for other assistance programs in Georgia ** There are other local or state programs that may help you lower your heating and energy bills. These include the [Weatherization Assistance Program](https://gefa.georgia.gov/weatherization-assistance-program) and programs you may be eligible for through [Georgia’s United Way referral center](https://unitedwayatlanta.org/about-211/). **3. Contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) ** These local centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs to afford food, health care, and energy bills. You can [contact a BEC in your area](https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-you) for guidance and support.