With colder temperatures arriving in Northwest Georgia, Chattooga County residents who need help paying their winter heating bills are being reminded that Georgia’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LIHEAP, is preparing to begin accepting applications for the 2026–2027 heating season.

The federally funded program provides financial assistance to qualifying low-income households to help cover home heating expenses during the winter months.

According to the Georgia Department of Human Services, the anticipated application schedule begins Tuesday, December 1, 2026, for residents age 65 and older and individuals who are medically homebound.

All other income-eligible households are expected to be able to begin applying Monday, January 4, 2027.

These dates follow the state’s regular application schedule. Residents should confirm the opening dates and appointment procedures with their local Community Action Agency before applying.

In Chattooga County, the program is administered through North Georgia Community Action, which also serves several neighboring Northwest Georgia counties.

The local Community Action office is located at 152 Senior Drive in Summerville. Residents can call 706-857-0729 for information about assistance, eligibility requirements and appointment availability.

To qualify for LIHEAP assistance, applicants must meet household income guidelines, be responsible for paying their primary home heating expenses, and satisfy applicable citizenship or immigration eligibility requirements.

Household income generally must be at or below 60 percent of Georgia’s state median income, with eligibility limits varying according to the number of people living in the home.

Applicants should be prepared to provide a recent heating bill, proof of household income, Social Security numbers and citizenship documentation for household members, along with verification of any Social Security or unemployment benefits received.

Approved heating assistance payments are generally made directly to the household’s energy supplier rather than being issued to the applicant.

The program serves eligible households on a first-come, first-served basis, and funding is limited. Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as their eligibility group is permitted to begin the application process.

In addition to regular heating assistance, LIHEAP may provide emergency assistance for qualifying households facing serious heating-related situations.

Georgia also offers weatherization assistance designed to help eligible households reduce long-term energy expenses through improvements such as insulation, air sealing and increased heating efficiency.

The winter heating assistance program is particularly important for senior citizens, individuals living on fixed incomes and families struggling with higher utility bills during periods of freezing weather.

Chattooga County residents seeking assistance should contact North Georgia Community Action at 706-857-0729 to confirm the local application schedule and learn how to apply.

There is no charge to apply for LIHEAP assistance.