LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLD ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) FAQ
What is LIHEAP and how can LIHEAP help me?
LIHEAP, which stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a federal program that helps low-income households pay for heating or cooling their homes. This program will help you pay your energy bill for heating or cooling your home.
When can I apply for LIHEAP assistance in Georgia?
LIHEAP will open for senior citizens (65 & older) and the medically homebound on December 1st, 2023, in Georgia.
On January 2nd, 2024, all other eligible households can make an appointment for assistance.
What is the application process for LIHEAP?
To apply, visit www.cafi-ga.org to schedule an appointment or call 706-702-3040.
If you are determined eligible to receive LIHEAP assistance, you will be informed of the amount of assistance that will be applied to your energy bill. The LIHEAP benefit will be issued directly to the household energy supplier.
If you are determined ineligible, you will receive notification and documentation regarding the reason for denial. It is important that you continue to pay your bill to avoid service interruption and/or additional fees while your application is being processed.
What documents do I need to bring to my appointment?
The following documents are required:
- Proof of income for all household members for the past 30 days.
- Social Security cards for each person in the household.
- Most recent gas and electric bill for the household.
- Valid, US issued photo ID.
Can LIHEAP help with my water bill?
No, LIHEAP assistance can only be used for energy bill payment.
How long will it take to get my benefits if I am eligible?
Community Action Agencies process LIHEAP benefits in the order received and processing times vary. You must continue to pay your bill until benefits have been issued to your household energy supplier to avoid an interruption in services and/or additional fees.
Can I select a different county if the appointment slots for my county are full?
No, you must select your county of residence. Each county has its own budget allocated by the state of Georgia based on population. If all appointment slots for your county are full, check the application portal periodically for availability.
Where can I apply for LIHEAP?
You must get an appointment FIRST. You will complete your application through the Community Action Agency that provides assistance to the county you reside in. Each county is represented by one Community Action Agency. CAFI represents a five-county service area which includes Coweta, Carroll, Heard, Meriwether, and Troup counties. If you live outside of the CAFI service area, you will need to contact your local Community Action Agency.
Where do I apply for LIHEAP assistance?
You must make an appointment online at www.cafi-ga.org or call 706-702-3040 if you are a resident of Coweta, Carroll, Heard, Meriwether, or Troup County. After making an appointment, applicants will bring the required documents and complete an application at a CAFI Service Center.
Can I complete an energy assistance application online?
No, you must visit a Community Action For Improvement service center to apply for heating benefits if you are a resident of Coweta, Carroll, Heard, Meriwether, or Troup County.
How do I know if I am eligible for the LIHEAP Program?
Your household energy supplier must be a registered vendor for the LIHEAP program with the Department of Human Services for your household to be eligible for LIHEAP assistance. All LIHEAP assistance payments are applied directly to the energy account through the household energy supplier, therefore households whose energy supplier does not participate in the program will not be eligible for assistance.
The other basic eligibility requirements are:
- Have a total gross income at or below 60% of the State Median Income Guidelines for Georgia
- Be responsible for paying the cost of energy for the household or be able to verify an energy burden
- Be a US citizen or lawfully admitted immigrant