Georgia is preparing to distribute a new round of energy credits through its seasonal assistance program as temperatures begin to drop across the state. The initiative is part of Georgia’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded effort designed to support low-income households during high-demand heating periods.
Eligible residents may qualify for one-time payments of $310 or $350, which are sent directly to their energy providers. The credits aim to reduce the financial burden of winter utility bills without replacing the need for full payment. Application rules, eligibility, and documentation requirements vary by household situation.
Eligibility Requirements For Georgia’s Winter Energy Credits
The December rollout of energy credits specifically targets homeowners and renters not living in subsidized housing, as tenants whose heating is already included in rent are not eligible. To qualify, applicants must meet a strict income threshold: their total gross annual income must be at or below 60% of Georgia’s State Median Income. They must also be U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted immigrants, and they must personally be responsible for paying their utility costs.
According to the National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC), over 125,000 households in Georgia received assistance through LIHEAP in 2021. That same year, over one million households across the state were eligible—highlighting a significant gap between need and funding availability.
The program does not accept online applications. Residents must instead schedule in-person appointments with their local community action agencies. Assistance is first-come, first-served, so early applications are strongly encouraged. At the appointment, residents are required to bring the following documents:
- A current heat or electric bill
- Proof of income for the past 30 days
- A Social Security card for each household member
- A photo ID
If appointment slots are full or funds are temporarily depleted, residents may request to be added to a waiting list, provided the program season has already begun.
Application Windows And Contact Information
Applications for the new round of December energy credits officially open on the first workday of December 2025 for residents aged 65 or older and those who are medically homebound. All other eligible households will have to wait until the first workday of January 2026 to apply.
To find the appropriate agency, residents can call Georgia’s Department of Human Services at 1-877-423-4746. Those living in the Atlanta metro area may instead contact 404-656-2323. The LIHEAP benefits are not paid directly to the applicant; instead, the funds are routed directly to the home-energy suppliers, who apply them to the household’s utility account.
The amount awarded depends on income level, household size, and whether any seniors live in the home. Since the assistance may not cover a full bill, recipients should plan accordingly and budget for the remaining balance.
As reported by The U.S. Sun, this year’s LIHEAP installment is especially important due to rising fuel costs and persistent inflation affecting utility rates nationwide. The December energy credits serve as a targeted intervention to reduce heating insecurity in the most vulnerable populations.
