Special to The Post-Searchlight

Georgia’s Energy Assistance Program opened Nov. 1 for homebound and elderly households (all adults age 65 or over) and/or households where all adults are disabled. Households with individuals who have life-threatening medical conditions and who are in danger of imminent cutoff of their heating source may also apply. The program provides financial assistance to low-income households to help defray their home heating costs.

Participating households 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: $20,990 for a one-person household; $27,449 for two persons; $33,907 for three persons; $40,366 for four persons; $46,825 for five persons; $53,283 for six persons; $54,494 for seven persons; $55,705 for eight; and for each additional person add $1,211.

Interested parties should call the Decatur County Neighborhood Service Center at (229) 246-3119 to place their name on the list. Do not go to the NSC, as it is required that you call to get your name on the list for an appointment time in order to complete an application. Clients will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applicants should bring proof of income for all household members for the last 30 days. This may be a paycheck stub, or a letter granting public assistance, Social Security or unemployment benefits. They should also have the Social Security cards of all household members and the most recent utility or fuel bill. Those households where the fuel costs are included in the rent are ineligible for assistance.

Pending fund availability, the program will open to the general public on Dec. 3.