Toccoa Vice Mayor asking for TCC to consider offering financial assistance to people unable to pay for heat
The Toccoa City Commission met on Monday for its regular scheduled meeting; during which, Vice Mayor Jeanette Jamieson used her time during the Reports section of the meeting to encourage the Commission to consider offering financial assistance to help cover the cost of gas during this upcoming winter.
Jamieson explained that because the cost of gas has increased substantially there are some residents who are unable to afford the increase.
Despite Jamieson’s concern, no other commissioner spoke out in favor of or in opposition to her request.
As WNEG News previously reported, the cost of gas is over $4 per dekatherm, whereas, last year, the cost of gas was just less than $2 per dekatherm.
For anyone, who meets the age and income requirement, Ninth District Opportunity will begin scheduling appointments for home heating assistance on November 1.
The Georgia Department of Human Services, through 9th District Opportunity in Gainesville, is helping to pay heating costs for low-income homes with either gas, propane, or electric heating.
According to Ninth District Opportunity Program Director Brenda Dalin, one-time payments will be made by check issued to the home heating suppliers up to $400.
She says eligibility for the program is based on the income of all household members.
To set up your appointment beginning November 1, call 855-636-3108.
A representative will then call you back and schedule a time for you to come to your local Ninth District Office.
Applicants can also go online to secure an appointment by going to ndo.org/eap.
Dalin says, when you go to your appointment you must bring verification of the age of every person in your home, verification of all household income from the past 30 days, verification of Social Security numbers, proof of citizenship such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, and your most recent heating bill.
Only households 65 years of age and older or homebound due to health reasons may apply for heating assistance beginning November 1.
Depending on the availability of funds, the regular home heating help program will open to the general public on December 1, 2021.