ATLANTA — As the colder winter months approach, the Georgia Department of Human Resources once again will help Georgians struggling to keep up with the cost of heating their homes. DHR’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has received approximately $74.5 million dollars in federal funds to assist low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with their heating bills.  

Beginning Nov. 3, local community action agencies will administer all available funds under state contracts, and the homebound and elderly (aged 65 and older) may apply for help. All other eligible families may apply starting Dec. 1. In most cases, payments will be made directly to the home energy supplier for gas, electricity, propane gas, wood, coal or kerosene. Qualifying applicants will receive payments of either $310 or $350.

To participate in the program, the family must meet a yearly income equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.  

To qualify, applicants must bring their most recent fuel bill or statement of service from their heating provider. They also must have proof of income for all household members for the last 30 days. Applicants must also have social security numbers for all household members.

For more information, contact the Division of Family and Children Services, Community Based Programs in metro Atlanta, by calling 404-656-2323 or toll free at 1-800-869-1150.