LIHEAP in Georgia
Georgia LIHEAP provides low-income energy assistance for residents earning at or below 60% of the state median income. This median income is calculated each year so just because you did not qualify for LIHEAP in a previous calendar year does not mean you won’t qualify the following year. Georgia LIHEAP works with local utility companies in conjunction with other low-income and moderate-income programs. Local utility companies include:
- Atlanta Gas Light
- Atmos Energy
- Canoochee Electric Membership Corporation
- Carroll Electric Membership Corporation
- Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation
- Gas South
- Georgia Natural Gas
- Georgia Power
- Habersham Electric Membership Corporation
- SCANA Energy
- Snapping Shoals Electric Membership Corporation
- Walton Electric Membership Corporation
Georgia LIHEAP Assistance
LIHEAP assistance in Georgia was provided to more than 212,000 households in 2011. For 2012, the total funding provided to the state was more than $46 million. Applications for heating assistance are taken starting December 1 for traditional families and November 1 for residents who are homebound and senior citizens. Applications are taken until all heating funding is disbursed. Applications for cooling assistance are accepted starting August 3 and continue until all funds are disbursed. The minimum heating benefit is $310 with a maximum of $350. There is a maximum cooling benefit of $350, as well.
LIHEAP Application & How to Apply
Residents of Georgia can apply for LIHEAP through the Georgia Department of Human Services or one of the designated Georgia Community Action Agencies. There is no online application, so you’ll need to contact the Department of Human Services at 1-800-869-1150 to obtain and application. Residents must fall at or below 60% of the state median income to qualify for Georgia LIHEAP. Some utility companies also offer income-based programs that provide additional support above and beyond monies supplied by LIHEAP. You must contact your utility company to find out more about in-house programs.
LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?
LIHEAP is an income-based program so before applying for funding you must prove income and family size. Georgia uses the state median income to determine eligibility. This estimate is changed every year, so it is best to check the current year’s income levels even if you did not qualify previously.
|
Family Size |
60% of State Median Income |
|
1 |
$21,499 |
|
2 |
$28,114 |
|
3 |
$34,730 |
|
4 |
$41,345 |
|
5 |
$47,960 |
|
6 |
$54,575 |
The state median income for the 2011/2012 year was $68,908. 60% of the state median income is $41,345. If you have more than six persons in your household, you can add 3% to the eligible income for each family member. The income level for six persons is 132% of $41,345, so seven persons would be 135% of $41,345 or $55,816. Eight persons would be 138%; nine persons would be 141% and so on.
