Georgia's regular Energy Assistance Program opened on November 2, 2009, for homebound and frail elderly households.  Households with individuals who have life-threatening medical conditions and who are in danger of imminent cut off of their heating source may apply.  The program provides financial assistance to low-income elderly (age 65 and above) households to help defray their home heating costs. 

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 income equal to or less than the federal poverty guidelines:
$21,458 for a one-person household
$28,061 for two persons
$34,663 for three persons
$41,266 for four persons
$47,868 for five persons
$54,471 for six persons
$55,709 for seven persons
$56,947 for eight
and for each additional person add $773. 

Interested individuals or those who look after the interest of elderly or homebound individuals should CALL the Decatur County Neighborhood Service Center at  (229)246-3119 to place their name on the list.  Clients will be assisted on a first come, first served basis.  It is not necessary to go to the NSC, but it is necessary to call and get your name on the list for an appointment time for an application to be completed. 

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

If funds are available, the program will open to the general public on December 1, 2009.  Eligible individuals should go to the Decatur County Neighborhood Service Center located at 1732 Bethel Road; Bainbridge, Georgia.