LIHEAP application becomes available Nov. 1

Appointments are now being made for home heating assistance for seniors age 65 and older.

The Low Income Heating Assistance Program or LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that assists low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with heating bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers.

Funds are administered through the local Community Action Agencies on a first-come, first-serve basis until all available funding is exhausted.

In our area, those funds are distributed through the Ninth District Opportunity in Gainesville.

Seniors needing help paying their heating bills this winter can begin applying for that help November 1st.

Applications for those under 65 begins December 1st.

Mike Fisher is the Housing/Planning Manager for Ninth District Opportunity.

He tells WNEG News Stephens County will receive $399,710 from the federal government to help both senior citizens and other low-income families pay for their heating this winter.

Fisher says that’s the same amount as last year, but he said fewer households will likely be served because of some changes in the federal guidelines in 2017.

Last year, a new toll-free number was put in place for seniors to call to make an appointment and Fisher said that is the number to use this year.

The toll-free number will allow seniors to get through to a representative faster with less waiting time and no busy signals.

The number to call to set up an appointment at any of the 9th District Senior Center offices is 855-636-3108.

A representative will set up an appointment time with you and go over what you need to bring to your appointment.