Where to start your LIHEAP application in Georgia

In Georgia, you apply for LIHEAP through your local Department of Human Services office, not through a state hotline or online portal. Each county runs its own intake, so the office you contact depends on where you live. Start by calling your county's DHS office and asking for the LIHEAP program — they will tell you whether the fund is currently open to new applications, what documents to bring, and whether you can apply in person or by mail.

Georgia's LIHEAP program typically opens in November and closes when funding runs out, which can happen anywhere from January to March depending on how many people apply. If you call and learn the fund is closed, ask when it reopens and whether you can submit paperwork early to be processed when it does. Some counties accept pre-applications during the closed period.

You can find your county DHS office through the Georgia Department of Human Services website or by calling 404-656-5680 and asking for the LIHEAP program coordinator in your county. Have your county name ready when you call the state line.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your county Department of Human Services office directly — Georgia does not have a single statewide application process.
  • LIHEAP in Georgia typically runs from November through early spring, and you must apply during the open period to be considered.
  • You will need proof of income for the past 30 days, a utility bill showing your name, and documentation of your heating or cooling costs.
  • The program pays your utility company directly, not you, so have your account number and the utility company's mailing address ready when you apply.
  • Processing takes four to eight weeks after you submit a complete application, so apply as early as possible in the season.

Documents you need to bring or mail

LIHEAP requires proof of income, proof of residency, and proof of your utility costs. For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer, or a benefits statement if you receive Social Security, unemployment, or TANF. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or profit-and-loss statements. If you have no income, bring a statement from your county DHS office confirming that.

For residency, bring a current utility bill in your name — this serves double duty as proof you live at the address and proof of your heating or cooling costs. If the utility bill is not in your name, bring a lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill instead, plus a separate utility bill showing the account number. Have the utility company's name, your account number, and the mailing address where you send payments ready to write down or provide to the caseworker.

Bring or include proof of household composition — a birth certificate, school enrollment letter, or custody papers for any dependents living with you. If anyone in the household receives disability or is over 60, bring documentation of that as well, because it may affect your income limits.

Income limits and what counts as household income

Georgia's LIHEAP income limits change each year based on federal poverty guidelines. Typically, a single person can earn up to roughly 150% of the federal poverty line, and the limit rises for each additional household member. In 2024, that meant a single person could earn around $1,900 per month, but this varies — call your county office to confirm the current limit for your household size.

Household income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and TANF. It does not include SSI (Supplemental Security Income), food stamps, or housing vouchers. If you are unsure whether a payment counts, ask the caseworker before you apply — they can tell you whether your specific income will disqualify you.

What happens after you submit your application

Once you turn in a complete application, the county DHS office will send you a letter confirming receipt. Processing typically takes four to eight weeks. During that time, the caseworker may call you to verify information or ask for additional documents. Answer calls promptly and return any requested paperwork within the deadline they give you, or your application may be denied.

If you are approved, LIHEAP sends the payment directly to your utility company, not to you. You will receive a letter showing the amount approved and which utility company it is being sent to. Keep that letter — if the payment does not show up on your account within 30 days, contact your county DHS office with the letter in hand.

If you are denied, the letter will explain why. Common reasons include income over the limit, incomplete paperwork, or applying after the fund closed. You can request a hearing to appeal the decision, and the denial letter will explain how.

Applying by mail versus in person

Some Georgia counties accept mail applications; others require you to apply in person. Call your county DHS office to ask which method they use. If you mail your application, send it to the address they provide and keep a copy for your records. Mail applications take longer to process because the office has to receive and log them, so applying in person is faster if you can.

If you apply in person, bring originals of all documents or certified copies. The caseworker will make copies for the file and return your originals to you. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have one. If you cannot get to the office during business hours, ask whether the county offers evening or Saturday hours, or whether someone can help you apply over the phone.

What to do if the fund is closed when you call

If your county's LIHEAP fund is closed, ask three things: when it reopens, whether you can submit paperwork now to be processed when it does, and whether there are other heating or cooling assistance programs available in the meantime. Some counties accept pre-applications in the off-season. Others have emergency funds for households in immediate danger of losing heat or cooling.

Georgia also runs the Weatherization Assistance Program, which pays for home repairs that reduce heating and cooling costs — insulation, air sealing, furnace repair. You may be able to apply for that while waiting for LIHEAP to reopen. Ask your county DHS office whether you can apply for both programs at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I rent instead of own my home?

Yes. Renters apply the same way as homeowners. You will need a copy of your lease and a utility bill showing your name, or a bill in your landlord's name plus a letter from the landlord confirming you live there and pay utilities. LIHEAP pays the utility company directly regardless of whether you rent or own.

What if my utility bill is in my landlord's name?

Bring the bill in your landlord's name plus a signed letter from your landlord stating that you live at the address and that utilities are included in your rent or that you pay them separately. Some counties also accept a lease showing the address. Call your county office to confirm what proof they need before you ask your landlord for a letter.

Do I have to reapply every year?

Yes. LIHEAP is a seasonal program that runs once per year, typically November through early spring. You must apply each heating season if you want assistance. Mark your calendar for November so you do not miss the opening date.

What if I have already paid my heating bill for the month?

LIHEAP can still help. The program pays arrears (bills you already owe) as well as current bills. If you have paid this month's bill but owe from previous months, LIHEAP may cover the past-due amount. Bring documentation of what you owe when you apply.

Can I get LIHEAP if I am behind on my utility bill?

Yes. Being behind on payments does not disqualify you. In fact, many people apply because they are behind. LIHEAP can pay arrears to bring your account current. Tell the caseworker how much you owe and when the bill is due.