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DHR hopes to keep Georgians healthy with heating help
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ATLANTA — As the colder winter months approach, the Georgia Department of Human Resources will once again help Georgians struggling to keep up with the cost of heating their homes.
DHR's low-income home energy assistance program has received approximately $74.5 million in federal funds to assist low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with their heating bills.  
Beginning Nov. 3, local community action agencies will administer all available funds under state contracts, and the homebound and elderly (aged 65 and older) may apply for help. All other eligible families may apply starting Dec. 1. Qualifying applicants will receive payments of either $310 or $350.
To participate in the program, the family must meet a yearly income equal to or less than 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines. For a one-person household, that’s $15,600; for two people, $21,000; for three people, $26,400; for four people, $31,800; for five people, $37,200; for six people, $42,600; for seven people, $48,000; for eight people, $53,400.
To qualify, applicants must bring a fuel bill or service statement from their heating provider with proof of income for household members for the past 30 days. This may be paycheck stubs, a letter granting public assistance, Social Security or unemployment benefits. Applicants also must have Social Security numbers for all household members.
For information, call the Division of Family and Children Service at 404-656-2323 or 1-800-869-1150.
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