Georgia Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Quick Facts

• Administering agency: The Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) partners with Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across 159 counties to deliver LIHEAP benefits.
• Core supports: Seasonal heating and cooling payments, crisis assistance for disconnect notices or low fuel, furnace and air-conditioner repairs, and referrals to weatherization, water assistance, and utility discount programs.
• Income threshold: Households qualify at or below 60% of State Median Income—roughly $60,000 for a family of four in 2025—broader than federal poverty guidelines.
• Priority groups: Seniors 65+, individuals with disabilities, households with young children, and medically fragile residents receive earliest appointment slots and expedited processing.
• Key strategy: Schedule an appointment as soon as phone lines open; Georgia’s LIHEAP funds are first-come, first-served and can exhaust quickly in high-demand counties.

Program Overview

Georgia faces extreme heat and occasional cold snaps that strain household budgets. LIHEAP reduces the risk of dangerous indoor temperatures, utility shutoffs, and furnace failures by subsidizing energy costs for eligible residents. DFCS distributes funding to CAAs who manage intake, verify documentation, and coordinate directly with utilities. Programs include the Regular Heating Assistance, Cooling Assistance, and Crisis Assistance components. Some agencies also use LIHEAP funding for heating system repair or replacement when safety issues arise.

Georgia’s energy landscape includes investor-owned utilities (Georgia Power), Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs), municipal systems, and deliverable fuels. LIHEAP works with all providers. For regulated utilities, benefits apply directly to accounts; for propane or heating oil, agencies issue vouchers to approved vendors. Renters with utilities included in rent can qualify if the landlord verifies energy costs.

Beyond immediate relief, LIHEAP acts as a gateway to weatherization services, home repair grants, utility-funded payment plans, and educational workshops. Taking a holistic approach ensures your household lowers its energy burden long-term.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Income: Total gross household income must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income. Agencies allow applicants to use the previous 30 days or 12 months of income—choose the window that best demonstrates need.
2. Energy responsibility: You must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or through rent. If utilities are included in rent, a landlord affidavit is required.
3. Residency: You must reside in Georgia and occupy the dwelling as your primary home.
4. Identification: Provide Social Security numbers for all household members, plus a government-issued photo ID for the applicant. Non-citizens with eligible immigration status may qualify with documentation.
5. Documentation: Submit proof of income, utility bills, landlord statements, and any emergency notices.

Households experiencing a life-threatening emergency—such as service disconnection or fuel exhaustion—should mention it when calling. Agencies can schedule same-day appointments and request temporary holds from utilities.

Benefit Details

• Heating assistance: Provides a one-time payment ($310–$500) applied to the primary heating bill. Amounts vary by income tier, household size, and region (North, Central, South Georgia). Electric-heated homes often receive higher credits.
• Cooling assistance: Offers up to $350 toward electric bills for air conditioning during the April–July season. Households with documented medical needs (e.g., respiratory illnesses) may receive additional support or cooling equipment.
• Crisis assistance: Grants up to $1,000 to prevent disconnection, restore service, or deliver emergency fuel. Crisis funds can cover reconnection fees, deposits, or repairs for heating/cooling equipment essential to health.
• Furnace/AC repair: Some agencies allocate funds for repairs when HVAC systems pose safety risks or are non-operational. Document diagnoses from licensed technicians.
• Weatherization referrals: Eligible households receive priority for the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Georgia Power Home Energy Improvement Program.

Regional Heating Benefit Snapshot

Application Process

1. Call your local CAA: Use DFCS’s LIHEAP provider list or dial 877-423-4746 to identify the correct agency. Mark the date phone lines open (usually early November for seniors, December for general public).
2. Schedule appointment: Lines may be busy—redial persistently or visit agency offices early in the morning. Some agencies accept online scheduling.
3. Prepare documents: Gather IDs, Social Security cards, proof of income, utility bills, landlord statements, and medical verification if requesting priority or cooling equipment.
4. Attend appointment: Interviews may occur in person, by phone, or virtually. Review your bills, sign consent forms, and discuss other supports like water assistance, SNAP, or senior services.
5. Agency verification: Staff contact utilities to confirm balances and disconnection status. For fuel deliveries, they coordinate with vendors.
6. Receive decision: Approvals typically issue within 30 days; crisis cases resolve within 48 hours after documentation. Keep your reference number handy for follow-up.
7. Monitor accounts: Check your utility portal or bill to verify credits posted. If you do not see the payment within two billing cycles, contact the agency immediately.

Documentation Checklist

• Government-issued photo ID (Georgia driver’s license, state ID, passport) for applicant.
• Social Security cards or official verification for all household members.
• Proof of lawful presence for non-citizens (green card, work authorization, etc.).
• Proof of income for all household members 18+ (pay stubs, Social Security award letters, unemployment benefits, child support, TANF, pensions). Include zero-income statements for adults without earnings.
• Most recent heating and electric bills showing account numbers, service addresses, and amounts due.
• Disconnect notices, shutoff warnings, or vendor statements showing fuel level below 25%.
• Lease agreement or landlord verification if utilities are included in rent.
• Medical documentation for cooling assistance (physician statement indicating condition aggravated by heat).
• Proof of disability (SSI award letter, VA disability rating) for priority scheduling.

Strategic Timeline

• September–October: Attend community outreach events, update documentation, and schedule HVAC maintenance.
• November 1: Seniors 65+ and medically homebound residents can apply for heating assistance.
• December 1: General public intake opens. Call early; appointment slots fill quickly.
• January–March: Monitor your account. If you receive a disconnect notice, contact the agency for crisis aid. Request weatherization referrals.
• April 1: Cooling season begins for seniors and medically needy households. General intake opens May 1.
• June–July: Follow up on cooling benefits, request equipment servicing, and check status of weatherization waitlists.
• August–September: Evaluate energy use, enroll in budget billing, and plan for the next heating season.

Maximizing LIHEAP

1. Combine with utility programs: Georgia Power offers the Senior Citizen Fuel Rate Discount; EMCs have similar credits. Show LIHEAP approval to qualify.
2. Adopt budget billing: Smooth out monthly payments to avoid spikes that lead to crises.
3. Leverage weatherization: Accept energy audits and implement recommended upgrades—insulation, duct sealing, smart thermostats.
4. Track energy consumption: Use online portals or smart meters to monitor daily usage. Identify high-draw appliances and adjust habits.
5. Create an energy binder: Store bills, receipts, and agency letters. Bring the binder to appointments to speed verification.
6. Engage landlord partners: Renters should notify landlords about drafty windows or inefficient systems. Provide written maintenance requests and escalate to code enforcement if necessary.
7. Build emergency reserves: Set aside even small amounts monthly to cover propane refills or unexpected deposits.

Coordination Opportunities

• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Managed by GA Environmental Finance Authority and CAAs. Prioritize low-income households with high energy usage.
• Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): Apply during the same appointment to address water/sewer arrears.
• SNAP & WIC: Enrollment may expedite LIHEAP verification and increase food budget flexibility.
• Medicaid & Care Management Organizations: Provide free cooling equipment for members with respiratory or cardiac conditions.
• HomeSafe Georgia or mortgage relief funds: For homeowners behind on mortgage and utilities, coordinate with housing counselors.
• Local nonprofits: United Way, Salvation Army, and Project SHARE offer supplemental utility grants; show LIHEAP documentation to verify need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot get through on the phone? Persistently redial early mornings, use online portals if available, or visit in person. Ask about waitlists and callback options.

Can undocumented household members receive benefits? The applicant must have a valid Social Security number, but mixed-status households may qualify. Benefits are prorated to eligible members.

Does LIHEAP cover past-due balances? Crisis assistance can cover arrears to restore service. Provide detailed account statements.

How long does approval take? Regular benefits post within 30 days; crisis cases within 48 hours once documentation is complete.

Can I receive both heating and cooling assistance? Yes. You must reapply each season and meet income guidelines.

Will LIHEAP pay for a new HVAC system? Only if the unit fails and repair is not possible, and funding is available. Agencies typically cover repairs first.

Troubleshooting & Appeals

• Denied for income: Request a review, especially if you used 12-month income but recently lost work. Provide updated pay stubs or termination letters.
• Missing documents: If you lack a Social Security card, submit a receipt showing you requested a replacement. Provide alternative verification, such as W-2 or SSA printout.
• Utility disputes: If your utility refuses to accept the pledge, contact DFCS’s LIHEAP Help Desk. Document names, dates, and conversation details.
• Appeal process: File a written appeal within 10 days of denial with DFCS. Include copies of documents and a statement explaining why you believe the decision is incorrect.
• Language access: Request interpreters. Agencies must provide assistance in your preferred language.
• Accessibility: Ask for home visits if you are homebound. Agencies must accommodate disabilities.

Home Energy Resilience Checklist

• Conduct energy audit or walkthrough to identify leaks.
• Replace HVAC filters quarterly; clean dryer vents to prevent fires.
• Install weatherstripping and caulk windows and doors.
• Use ceiling fans to balance temperatures and lower AC usage.
• Switch to LED bulbs and unplug phantom loads (chargers, electronics).
• Maintain thermostat at 68°F in winter, 78°F in summer.
• Build a severe weather plan with backup shelter options during outages.
• Store contact numbers for utility companies, CAAs, and emergency services.

12-Month Planning Calendar

• October: Gather documents, check HVAC system, set LIHEAP reminder alerts.
• November–December: Submit heating application, follow up on approvals, enroll in utility discounts.
• January–March: Track energy usage, request crisis aid if needed, schedule weatherization visits.
• April–May: Apply for cooling assistance, clean HVAC coils, and service AC units.
• June–July: Attend energy education workshops, adopt conservation measures, and prepare for hurricane season.
• August–September: Evaluate budget, plan for propane or heating oil pre-buys, and update emergency kits.

Key Resources

• Georgia DFCS – LIHEAP
• Community Action Agencies Directory
• Georgia Environmental Finance Authority – Weatherization
• Georgia Power Energy Assistance
• United Way of Greater Atlanta 211

Georgia’s LIHEAP does more than apply a seasonal credit—it connects households to a network of services that stabilize housing, health, and finances. With timely applications, thorough documentation, and proactive energy management, you can turn LIHEAP into a recurring tool that keeps your home safe and affordable year-round.