While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance for energy costs to low-income households. LIHEAP is a federal program that is administered by individual states, territories, and tribes. In Georgia, LIHEAP is administered by the Georgia Community Action Association.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in Georgia, click here.
The Georgia Community Action Association oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating and cooling expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s heating and cooling assistance initiative in Georgia, download the Georgia state 2022 LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan on the LIHEAP webpage here.
LIHEAP Crisis Assistance, like standard LIHEAP benefits, is a cash grant provided to the utility companies of eligible individuals in certain situations.
If your household meets all the eligibility requirements above and has an energy-related crisis, you may qualify for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance.
The state defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:
A “life-threatening crisis situation” also qualifies a household for Crisis Assistance. This occurs when:
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $800 for winter and $500 for summer.
Learn more about Crisis Assistance on page 12 of the Detailed Model Plan here.
To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the Georgia Community Action Association will consider:
Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.
As of 2024, the maximum annual benefit amount is $810 for heating and $500 for cooling; the minimum annual benefit amount is $400.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Georgia, you must meet the following requirements:
The Community Action Association prioritizes households with elderly, disabled or young members. Elderly is considered 60 years or older, and young is considered five years old or younger.
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in Georgia here.
If you or a member of your family participates in the benefit programs below, then you may automatically be eligible for LIHEAP based on your income:
Depending on their age and medical status, eligible households can start applying for LIHEAP cooling assistance between April 1st and July 31st. Likewise, eligible households can start applying for LIHEAP heating or crisis assistance between December 1st and July 31st.
To apply for LIHEAP in Georgia, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process by downloading the Frequently Asked Questions page for:
Find your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA) and contact information here.
Access the Georgia LIHEAP application through your local CAA.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA). Find your nearest CAA here.
When applying for Georgia LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state will need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:
Learn more about the documentation needed during the LIHEAP application process by downloading the Frequently Asked Questions page for cooling here and heating here.
You can call the Community Action Agency where you applied to directly to check your application status.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The Community Action Association will notify you within 30 days of receiving your application if you are approved to receive benefits. If you are eligible for Crisis Assistance, you will receive notification within 18 to 48 hours. All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.
If you are denied Georgia LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by writing a statement to your local Community Action Agency (CAA) where you applied within 30 days of when you received the denial. Find your nearest local CAA here.
If the CAA representative cannot resolve the dispute, you can request a hearing with the Department of Human Services. To begin this process, access the Petition for Direct Appeal form here and email it to directappeal@osah.ga.gov or mail it to:
Georgia Office of State Administrative Hearings
Legal Services Off
225 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
Once the Office of State Administrative Hearings receives the appeal, they will set up a hearing and notify you of the date, time and location.
If you have questions about the appeal process, call the Department of Human Services:
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Georgia or require further assistance, contact your local Community Action Agency. Find your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA) and contact information here.
You can also contact the Georgia Community Action Association phone line at (404) 361-4442. Or, call the Georgia LIHEAP Office phone line at (404) 654-3427.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and compiled a guide that we believe is simple to use and easy to understand. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing detailed information on the process.
Our free LIHEAP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply for LIHEAP, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: January 24, 2024