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SECTION 100 PROGRAM OVERVIEW

LIHEAP MANUAL JANUARY 2022 4

BASIC CONSIDERATION (Cont'd)

• Households may receive only one payment per program component (Heating Assistance, Cooling Assistance) within a program year. • This financial assistance will be in the form of payments to home energy suppliers on behalf of eligible household applicants. • Eligible households whose energy suppliers have not signed a vendor supplier agreement will receive benefit payments directly. • The amount of assistance will depend on the projected total annual gross household income and household size. • Subsidized housing residents whose fuel cost is included in their rental payment are not eligible for assistance unless the applicant can verify an energy burden. • Applicants who receive a vendor bill/statement from their energy source are eligible for assistance. • Renters who live in subsidized housing are eligible for assistance if their utility bill is in their name or the applicant can verify an energy burden. • Applications are to be taken at accessible locations statewide, and in the homes of those who are homebound and unable to travel to any of the sites. 101.3 PROGRAM COMPONENTS

HEATING ASSISTANCE The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Heating assistance provides a one-time benefit on behalf of an eligible household to the energy vendor during Georgia's cold winter months. Heating assistance is offered November through March or until funding is exhausted. COOLING ASSISTANCE The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (SCF) permits the use of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds for Cooling activities in accordance with a state's policies, if additional awards are given, or when heating assistance funds are redistributed. If it is determined that funding is too limited to make an impact among the general population, more vulnerable households such as the elderly and homebound may be targeted with this program component. Benefits for the purchase of a cooling unit are provided to households with inoperable air conditioning and a referral to Georgia Environmental Finance Authority's (GEFA) Weatherization program. LIHEAP Cooling provides a one-time benefit on behalf of an eligible household to the electric vendor during Georgia's warm summer months. Cooling assistance, when available, is offered April through June or until funding is exhausted.