Program offers low income home energy assistance

Published 8:00 am Thursday, November 3, 2016

THOMASVILLE — Georgia’s Energy Assistance Program has opened for homebound and elderly households (all adults in household must be age 65 or over and/or physically homebound) that meet eligibility requirements for the program.

If funds are available, the program will open to the general public on Dec. 1, to all low-income households that meet the eligibility requirements for the program.

Interested individuals should call the Thomas County Neighborhood Service Center at (229) 228-1162 to place their name on the waiting list.

Clients will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted.

Do not go to the NSC and line up; it is required that you call and get your name on the list or an appointment time for an application to be completed.

Households participating in the program must meet income criteria and be responsible for the cost of heating their homes. To be eligible, households must have an annual income equal to or less than: $21,881 for a one-person household; $28,614 for two persons; $35,346 for three persons; $42,079 for four persons; $48,812 for five persons; $55,544 for six persons; $56,807 for seven persons, $58,069 for eight persons and for each additional member add $1,232.

Applicants should have proof of income for all household members for the last 30 days. This can be a paycheck stub, or a letter granting public assistance, Social Security or unemployment benefits.

Applicants must also have the Social Security cards of all household members and their most recent utility and fuel bill. Households whose fuel costs are included in the rent are ineligible for assistance.

Limited funds are available for families experiencing crisis situations (at threat of disconnect or needing services restored).