16 Performance Goals and Measures, 2605(b)

16.1 Describe your progress toward meeting the data collection and reporting requirements of the four required LIHEAP (Benefit Targeting Index, Burden Reduction Targeting Index, Restoration of Home Energy Service, and Prevention of Loss of Home Energy Service). Include timeframes and plans for meeting these requirements and what you believe will be accomplished in the coming federal fiscal year. Georgia LIHEAP revised the benefits matrix to ensure that Georgia includes the energy burden for the fuel type for the household. Georgia now has various benefit amounts per fuel type. Georgia adjusted the matrix to target those households with the lowest income and the highest energy burden to receive the higher benefit payment. Georgia updated the benefit matrix to remove all households with a member aged 60 or older receive the highest energy assistance benefit available, regardless of income of energy cost. Based on historical data, this is usually well over 50% of all LIHEAP assisted households in Georgia each year. The Georgia LIHEAP network will continue to prioritize elderly households by providing them with an early application period. If the benefit goes directly to the applicant, the applicant will receive the lowest benefit amount for either level 1 or level 2. Please see the updated Benefit Matrix. If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.