How to apply for Georgia Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)

Who it's for

Georgia's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay their home heating and cooling bills. It offers a regular seasonal payment toward energy costs and crisis help when a household faces a shutoff or is already without service. Households qualify if their total gross income is at or below 60% of the state median income and they are responsible for their home energy costs. Seniors 65 and older and people who are medically homebound get an early application window — heating assistance opens for them the first workday of December, and cooling assistance the first workday of April, ahead of the general public. The program is run locally by Community Action Agencies, and applicants are served first-come, first-served until funds run out, so applying early matters.

What you'll need

• Proof of all household income for the prior month (or prior year)
• Most recent home energy bills (heating and/or electric)
• Proof of Georgia residency
• Social Security cards for all household members
• Photo identification

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Georgia Energy Assistance (LIHEAP). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of all household income for the prior month (or prior year), most recent home energy bills (heating and/or electric), proof of Georgia residency — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check that you may qualify. Your household must be at or below 60% of Georgia’s state median income, and you must be responsible for your home energy costs.
2. Apply as early as possible in the season. If you are age 65 or older, you may apply early for heating on the first workday of December and for cooling on the first workday of April.
3. Gather your required documents. Have proof of all household income for the prior month or prior year, your most recent home energy bills, proof of Georgia residency, Social Security cards for all household members, and photo identification.
4. Apply online or apply by phone at 877-423-4746.
5. Complete any follow-up steps from your local Community Action Agency. Provide any missing information they ask for so your application can be reviewed.

What to expect: After you apply, your local Community Action Agency reviews your information to decide if you qualify for help with heating or cooling costs, including crisis help if your service is being shut off or is already off. Processing times can vary, and benefits are first-come, first-served until funds run out, so apply early and ask the agency for a timing estimate if needed. You need to apply each year for each heating and cooling season.

Renewals

annual (each heating and cooling season)

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