Fact sheet: Low Income Energy Assistance Program, No. 29 (Jan. 2006)

fact sheet

Low income Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families pay heating or cooling costs and weatherizes homes. LIHEAP is administered by the Division of Family and Children Services' (DFCS) Community-Based Programs.
Regular Energy Assistance Issue checks to suppliers of home heating energy or fuel, to offset heating costs for eligible households. Last year more than 103,883 households received benefits, averaging $216 each.
Eligibility Households with income up to 150 percent of the poverty level (For a oneperson household, that would be $14,355; for two people $19,245; for three people $24,135; for four people $29,025) Responsible for paying their household's heating bills. Priority: Homebound households and elderly 65 years and older.
Benefits Based on household income, a one-time benefit of either $174 or $220. If the Department of Human Resources (DHR) declares a weather-related crisis in any part of the state or additional funds are required, more aid may be authorized.
Weatherization
About 1,022 households receive help each year; administered through a contract with the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority, Georgia Division of Energy Assistance.
Eligibility Households with income up to 150% of the poverty level. Priority is given to elderly and disabled people.
Benefits Ceiling insulation, caulking, and weather-stripping, provided by local community action agencies and government/nonprofit groups. Average cost: $1,400; may not exceed $2,664.
In FY 2005 LIHEAP served 103,882 households. The total benefit was $19 million. The average benefit paid was $216. The average income of households served was $8,505. Forty-two percent of households served included handicapped people, and

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58% included people age 65 and over. Twelve percent were homebound households. Fifty-six percent of the people served owned their own home. Forty-four percent were renters.
Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)
Eligible consumers who were faced with a disconnection of service could receive $174 or $220 in benefits. This component of the Energy Program was funded through a federal block grant and the Heating Energy Assistance Team, Inc. The availability of funds determines when this assistance is provided.
About 19,000 households received assistance in having their primary heating source restored during the year.
SCANA Regulated Provider Program
Low-income natural gas customers who meet the state's LIHEAP qualifications are referred to the regulated provider for the special gas prices. DHR contracts with the local Community Action Agencies to determine eligibility for the regulated natural gas service.
Eligibility
The Community Action Agencies determine the eligibility of those households qualified to purchase natural gas at a special rate. It is not necessary to apply for or receive LIHEAP to qualify for regulated natural gas service.
Applications for LIHEAP are accepted at all community action agencies, as funds are available. To locate the community action agency nearest you call: 404-656-2323 or 800869-1150. You may also locate the nearest Community Action Agency on the web at www.gcaaonline.org.
Georgia Department of Human Resources Office of Communications www.dhr.georgia.gov January 2006

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