As winter temperatures settle in across Georgia, assistance is now available to help eligible households manage rising heating costs.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for heating is officially open for the season, with applications underway as of Dec. 1. With mid-December cold snaps already impacting the region, state officials are urging eligible residents to begin the process as soon as possible.
Administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services and funded through federal dollars, LIHEAP provides financial assistance to help homeowners and renters pay their home heating bills through direct payments to energy providers.
Households with residents age 65 and older, as well as those who are medically homebound, are eligible to apply now. All other qualifying Georgians may begin scheduling appointments starting Jan. 2, 2026.
LIHEAP funds are distributed by local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) on a first-come, first-served basis, and assistance is available only until funds are exhausted. Income eligibility is capped at 60 percent of the state median income, which equals $34,549 for a household of one and $77,071 for a household of five.
Applicants must apply through their local CAA and will be required to provide documentation including a recent heating bill, proof of income, Social Security numbers, proof of citizenship, and verification of any Social Security or unemployment benefits.
Residents seeking assistance are encouraged to contact their local Community Action Agency promptly, as demand typically increases during the heart of winter. A list of agencies is available at georgiacaa.org, along with additional program details.