As the colder winter months approach, the Department of Human Resources will once again help Georgians struggling to keep up with the cost of heating their homes.

Department of Human Resources Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will award $2,646,643 to Coastal Plain Area Economic Opportunity Authority Inc. located in Valdosta.

The Coastal Plain Area Economic Opportunity Authority Inc. has already begun serving the homebound and elderly (aged 65 and older). All other eligible families may apply Dec. 1. In most cases, payments are made directly to the home energy supplier for gas, electricity, propane gas, wood, coal, or kerosene. Qualifying applicants will receive payments of $310 or $350.

To participate in the program, the family must meet a yearly income equal to or less than 60 percent of the state median income.

For a one-person household, that would be $21,458; for two people, $28,601; for three people, $34,663; for four people, $41,266; for five people, $47,868; for six people; $54,471; for seven people, $55,709; for eight people, $56,947 (for each additional person, add $1,238 to annual income.)

To participate in the program, the family must bring their most recent fuel bill or statement of service from their provider. They must also have proof of income for all household members for the last 30 days.

This may be paycheck stubs, a letter granting public assistance, Social Security or unemployment benefits. Applicants must also have social security numbers for all household members. Verification of age will be required for all elderly households.

Assistance will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Please call 229-242-8814 to learn more.