LIHEAP Fact Sheet 2018-2019


The Regular Energy Assistance benefits will range from $310 to $350. This one-time benefit payment is projected to average approximately $346.89 to approximately 140,795 low-income households. The program will begin to take applications on November 1st, 2018 to serve only those households that meet the definition of Homebound or Elderly. The general public will be able to apply on December 3rd, 2018.

The program is scheduled to operate until May 31st, 2019 or until all funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.

Crisis Intervention Assistance is provided to eligible households after the application is completed within 48 hours and within 18 hours in a life-threatening situation. The applications for assistance are taken at accessible locations statewide and in the homes of those who are homebound and unable to travel to any of the sites. An emergency opening of the Energy Crises Intervention Program is determined by severe and unusual weather-related conditions or crisis situations that result in the loss of or potential loss of fuel services. The Governor, or his/her appointee, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declares all weather-related crisis.

The State will ensure that Energy Crisis Intervention funds are available until May 31, 2019. Financial assistance will be in the form of a vendor check written at the local level. The amount of assistance will be determined by household income, which must be at or below 60% of Georgia’s Median Income, the household size, and the household need, up to the maximum benefit of $350 per household. The eligibility guidelines are the same as with the Regular Energy Assistance Program.

Cooling Assistance will only open during the 2019 summer season if funds are made available. The eligibility requirements as described in the Regular Energy Assistance Program will be used for this component. There will be priority placed on the elderly and homebound during the first week of the program. The benefits approved will be in direct money payments to the provider of their cooling source of energy. The eligibility for cooling assistance is not dependent on eligibility for winter heating. Eligibility will be at or below 60% of the state median income level for this program.

Weatherization activities will be furnished to approximately 400 low-income households. The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority’s Division of Energy Resources currently administers the State Weatherization Program. The low-cost residential weatherization activities will provide direct energy-conserving improvements to the homes of low-income citizens to reduce long-term home energy consumption. Priority of services, which include installing ceiling insulation, windows, caulking, and weather-stripping is given to the elderly and disabled. Local Weatherization assistance services are provided by local nonprofit organizations. The cost for weatherization of each dwelling must not exceed $7,261. To be eligible, the household’s total income must be at or below 200% of poverty level.

 

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