Georgia's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. For fiscal year 2026, the state has $96 million in LIHEAP funding available, with benefits ranging from $400 to $810 depending on the type of assistance. If your household income falls at or below 60% of Georgia's State Median Income, you may qualify. This guide covers the income limits, benefit amounts, eligibility rules, and the exact steps to apply.
What Is Georgia LIHEAP?
LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered in Georgia by the Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) take applications and distribute funds directly to energy suppliers on behalf of approved households.
Georgia LIHEAP covers four types of assistance:
- Heating assistance -- help paying winter energy bills
- Cooling assistance -- help paying summer energy bills
- Winter crisis assistance -- emergency help for households at risk of losing heat
- Summer crisis assistance -- emergency help for households at risk of losing cooling
Funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applying as early as possible once your application window opens is critical.
Georgia LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Georgia sets its income limit at 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). There is no asset test -- only gross household income is evaluated. The table below shows the monthly income limits for each household size.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit | Annual Gross Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $2,879 | $34,549 |
| 2 people | $3,764 | $45,179 |
| 3 people | $4,650 | $55,810 |
| 4 people | $5,536 | $66,441 |
| 5 people | $6,422 | $77,071 |
| 6 people | $7,308 | $87,702 |
For households larger than six, contact your local Community Action Agency for the applicable limit. Income is counted as total gross income before taxes, including wages, Social Security, unemployment, pensions, and self-employment income.
Households that receive SNAP, SSI, or certain other means-tested benefits may qualify automatically in some cases -- ask your local CAA if this applies to you.
Georgia LIHEAP Benefit Amounts 2026
Georgia LIHEAP benefits go directly to your energy provider, not to you personally. The amounts for FY 2026 are:
| Assistance Type | Minimum Benefit | Maximum Benefit |
|---|
| Heating assistance | $400 | $810 |
| Cooling assistance | $400 | $500 |
| Winter crisis assistance | up to $810 | $810 |
| Summer crisis assistance | up to $500 | $500 |
The actual benefit your household receives depends on factors like income, household size, and local funding availability. Benefits cover one assistance payment per program year.
Who Is Eligible for Georgia LIHEAP?
To qualify for Georgia LIHEAP in 2026, your household must meet all of the following:
- Income limit -- Total gross household income at or below 60% of Georgia's State Median Income (see table above)
- Citizenship or immigration status -- All applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted immigrants
- Energy responsibility -- Your household must be responsible for paying the primary heating or cooling energy costs
- No large account credit -- Your energy account cannot have a credit balance of $1,000 or more
There is no asset limit for Georgia LIHEAP. Renters and homeowners are both eligible, as long as you pay your own energy bills (not included in rent).
When to Apply: 2026 Program Schedule
Georgia LIHEAP runs on a seasonal schedule. Applications open at different times depending on your age or status:
Heating Program (FY 2026):
- Residents age 65 and older and medically homebound: Applications open the first workday of December
- All other eligible residents: Applications open the first workday of January
Cooling Program (FY 2026):
- Residents age 65 and older and medically homebound: Applications opened April 1, 2026
- All other eligible residents: Applications opened May 1, 2026
Both heating and cooling programs run through July 31. Crisis assistance windows follow the same opening dates.
Apply early. Once local CAA funds run out, the agency stops accepting applications -- even if the statewide program is still technically open.
How to Apply for Georgia LIHEAP
Georgia LIHEAP does not have an online application. All applications must be submitted in person at your local Community Action Agency. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Find your local Community Action Agency
Go to georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency or visit the Georgia DFCS LIHEAP page at dfcs.georgia.gov. Enter your county to find the CAA serving your area.
Step 2: Schedule an appointment
Call your local CAA to schedule an appointment. Some agencies accept walk-ins, but calling ahead saves time and ensures you have the right documents. Application slots can fill quickly at the start of each season.
Step 3: Gather required documents
Bring the following to your appointment:
- Valid U.S. photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security cards for every household member
- Proof of income from the past 30 days for all household members (pay stubs, award letters, benefit statements)
- Most recent heating or cooling bill showing your account number and service address
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status for all household members
Step 4: Submit your application
A CAA caseworker will review your documents and complete the application with you. There is no fee to apply. Interpreter services are available at no cost if you need language assistance.
Step 5: Wait for approval and payment
If approved, your CAA will contact your energy provider directly to apply the benefit to your account. You do not receive a check. Keep paying your bills during processing -- LIHEAP does not pause collection activity.
Georgia Community Action Agencies
LIHEAP is delivered through a statewide network of CAAs. A few examples:
- Community Action for Improvement (CAFI) -- serves Coweta, Carroll, Heard, Meriwether, and Troup counties. Call 706-307-6670 or visit cafi-ga.org
- Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority (FACAA) -- serves Fulton County. Visit facaa.org
- All other counties: Find your agency at georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency
What LIHEAP Does Not Cover
LIHEAP covers energy costs only -- electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil, and similar fuels. It does not cover:
- Water or sewer bills
- Phone or internet service (see Lifeline program for that)
- Appliance repairs (though weatherization assistance may be available separately)
- Rent, even if utilities are bundled
If your energy has been disconnected, tell your CAA when you call. Crisis assistance may allow faster processing.
Other Programs to Consider
If you qualify for LIHEAP, you may also be eligible for other assistance programs:
- SNAP -- food assistance for low-income households
- Georgia Medicaid -- health coverage for eligible low-income residents
- Lifeline -- discounted phone or internet service
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) -- free home energy efficiency improvements
Use the Benefits Navigator screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check eligibility for multiple programs at once. You can also browse all Georgia programs at benefitsusa.org/states/georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Georgia LIHEAP in 2026?
Georgia's LIHEAP income limit is 60% of the State Median Income. For a one-person household, that is $34,549 per year ($2,879 per month). For a family of four, the limit is $66,441 per year. See the full table above for all household sizes.
How much money does Georgia LIHEAP provide?
For heating assistance, benefits range from $400 to $810. For cooling assistance, benefits range from $400 to $500. The exact amount depends on your household's income, size, and local funding levels.
Can I apply for Georgia LIHEAP online?
No. Georgia LIHEAP requires an in-person application at your local Community Action Agency. You can find your nearest CAA at georgiacaa.org/find-your-local-agency.
When does Georgia LIHEAP cooling assistance open in 2026?
For residents age 65 and older or medically homebound, the cooling program opened April 1, 2026. All other eligible Georgians could apply starting May 1, 2026. Both windows remain open through July 31, 2026, or until funds run out.
Does Georgia LIHEAP have an asset limit?
No. Georgia does not impose an asset limit for LIHEAP. Eligibility is based solely on household income and the other criteria listed above.
Can renters apply for Georgia LIHEAP?
Yes. Renters qualify as long as they are directly responsible for paying their energy bills -- meaning utilities are not included in rent.
What if my power has already been shut off?
Contact your local CAA immediately and explain that you have a disconnection or shut-off. Crisis assistance may be available to help restore service faster than the standard benefit process.
How long does it take to get approved?
Processing times vary by agency and time of year. Applications near the program opening date tend to take longer due to higher volume. Your energy supplier receives payment directly once your application is approved.
Can undocumented immigrants apply for Georgia LIHEAP?
No. Georgia LIHEAP requires applicants to be U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted immigrants. All household members must meet this requirement.
What documents do I need to apply?
You need a valid photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income for the past 30 days, your most recent energy bill, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. See the full document list in the application steps above.
