Ga. Dept. Of Human Services Provides Heating Bill Assistance For Those In Need

by Patch Staff

The Georgia Department of Human Services, the Public Service Commission and Home Energy Assistance Team have set aside funds to give help to those needing help paying their heating bills this winter through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

If you qualify, you will receive a one-time heating assistance payment of $310 or $350.

Beginning Nov. 1, the program will be open to those households with:

• seniors 65 and older, with or without minor children in the home
• disabled persons with physical or mental disabilities which would cause hardship when applying during the general public period that starts
• disabled homebound persons with physical or mental disabilities, which prohibit them from conducting business in the public sector.

Everyone else can apply during the general public period that starts Dec. 1.

You may apply if you use natural gas, electricity, propane, wood, kerosene or coal to heat your home. You also must meet the income guidelines of 60 percent of the median household income for Georgia, which is $47,469 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

You'll have to supply:

• proof of income for all household members 18 years of age and older for the last 30 days or 90 days if irregular income. If there's no income, a Zero Income Form will be provided at the time of your appointment. All household members with no income must be present during the appointment time to complete this form.

• most recent home heating bill
• verification of Social Security cards for all household members or some other legal proof of SS number

Bringing copies of these documents, along with the originals, will expedite wait time at application intake.

For more information, call customer service beginning Nov. 1 at 404.537.4300. The elderly and homebound can begin scheduling appointments then.