The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS), will be available Nov. 2, 2020. This federally funded program assists low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with heating bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers.

Beginning Nov. 2, 2020 residents aged 65 and older or those who are medically homebound can apply for assistance through the Department’s LIHEAP. All other eligible residents may apply for assistance beginning Dec. 1, 2020. 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 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 $25,025; the income threshold for a household of five is $55,825.

Those seeking assistance must contact their local CAA. All applicants must provide the following:

  1. Most recent heating bill or statement of service from their heating providers;
  2. Social Security numbers for each member of the household;
  3. Proof of Citizenship for each member of the household;
  4. Proof of Income for the last 30 days for each adult member of the household;
    1. Proof of Income can include, but is not limited to, a paycheck stub or a letter granting public assistance, and,
  5. Social Security or unemployment benefits for all household members, if applicable.

For more information on the program, contact the DFCS at 404-657-3426. To find a CAA in your area, visit http://www.georgiacaa.org.

About Georgia DFCS
DFCS administers The Georgia Food Stamp Program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federally funded program that provides monthly benefits to low-income households to help pay for the cost of food. DFCS is responsible for issuance of SNAP, Medicaid and TANF to low-income families; assistance for out-of-work parents to help them get back on their feet as well as multiple support services and programs to help families in need.