Winter heating aid program accepting applications in CSRA

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Low-income families in the CSRA can apply for a federal program to help heat their homes this winter.

The Low Income Heating Assistance Program is a federally funded program that helps eligible households with their home energy bills.

Residents 65 and older or those who are medically homebound were able to apply through their local community action agencies as soon as the application period opened Monday.

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Applications open in January for all other eligible residents.

For a household of one to qualify, the income threshold is no more than $29,713, and for a household of five, it’s $66,284.

In Georgia, the community action agencies are:

• Central Savannah River Area Economic Opportunity Authority Inc.: 1261 Greene St. in Augusta, 706-722-0493, serving Burke, Columbia, Emanuel, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren and Wilkes counties.
• Overview Inc.: 120 S. Jefferson St. in Milledgeville, 478-453-4111, serving Hancock, Jasper, Johnson, Putnam, Washington and Wilkinson counties.

South Carolina also operates a Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Community action agencies include:

• Aiken/Barnwell Counties Community Action Agency: 291 Beaufort St. Northeast, Aiken, 803-648-6836; Litchfield Apartment Complex, Litchfield Street, Building 1, Barnwell, 803-259-3145.
• Orangeburg-Calhoun-Allendale-Bamberg Community Action Agency: 1822 Joe S. Jeffords Highway, Orangeburg, 803-536-1027; 649 Railroad Ave., Allendale, 803-584-3845; 442 Bridge St., Bamberg, 803-793-4373.
• GLEAMN Human Resources Commission serving Edgefield, McCormick and Saluda counties: 21 Star Road, Edgefield, 803-637-6161; 109 W. Augusta St., McCormick, 864-852-2662; 407 W. Butler Ave., Saluda, 864-445-2035, ext. 29.

The Georgia Department of Human Services says in order to qualify, a family’s income must be less than or equal to 60 percent of the median income for a Georgia family.

For a household of one, the income threshold is $33,038 and for a household of five, it’s $73,700.

All applicants should be prepared to provide the following information:

• Most recent heating bill or statement of service from their heating provider.
• Social Security numbers for each household member.
• Proof of citizenship for each household member.
• Proof of income (e.g., a paycheck stub or a public assistance verification letter) for the last 30 days for each adult household member.
• Verification of Social Security or unemployment benefits for household member(s), if applicable.

Funds are istered on a first-come, first-served basis until they run out.

For more information on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, click here.

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