Need Utility Assistance? Georgia's LIHEAP Program May Help
If you're struggling with your heating or cooling bill, Georgia's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible low-income households pay home energy costs. Assistance is generally paid directly to your energy provider, not to you.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility is based partly on household income. For the 2026 program year, household income generally must be at or below 60% of Georgia's State Median Income, which means the middle-income level for households across the state.
For example:
1-person household: Up to $34,549 annually
5-person household: Up to $77,071 annually
Georgia has separate application periods for heating and cooling assistance. For the 2026 cooling program, adults age 65 and older and medically homebound residents could begin applying April 1. Applications opened to other eligible households May 1.
What Will You Need?
Be prepared to provide documents such as your:
- Most recent energy bill
- Proof of household income
- Social Security numbers for household members
- Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status when required
Your local agency can tell you exactly which documents are needed for your household.
Where Do You Apply?
LIHEAP is administered locally through Community Action Agencies, nonprofit, or public organizations that connect residents with assistance programs in their communities.
You don't apply through your electric company.
Funding is limited and is generally distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are exhausted, so don't wait until your utilities are disconnected to seek assistance.
Find Your Local Georgia Community Action Agency
What If Georgia Power Isn't Your Electric Company?
You may still qualify.
Georgia households receive electricity from different types of providers. Some use Georgia Power. Others use an Electric Membership Corporation (EMC), which is a member-owned electric cooperative, or a municipal utility, which is an electric system owned by a city or local government.
LIHEAP can assist eligible households using different participating energy providers. However, payment processing times and disconnection policies can vary by provider.
Facing Disconnection?
If you've already received a shutoff notice, don't assume that applying for LIHEAP automatically stops the disconnection.
Contact your utility provider immediately. Tell them you've applied for energy assistance and ask whether a payment arrangement, extension or other protection is available while your application is being processed.
The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) is the state agency that regulates certain utility companies and establishes consumer protection rules for the companies under its authority.
Depending on the provider and circumstances, protections may apply during certain extreme temperatures or when someone in the household has a qualifying serious medical condition. These protections can have specific requirements and may not apply equally to EMCs and city-owned utilities.
Sources: Georgia Department of Human Services