The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that assists low-income households in offsetting the increased cost of energy for winter home heating. Southwest Georgia Community Action Council (SWGACAC) administers the program through a contract with the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS). This includes client intake, eligibility determination, and processing of payments to utility vendors, among other responsibilities. Last year SWGACAC served more than 11,000 households.
This year the program will experience delays related to DHS system upgrades, execution of contracts, and contract funding disbursement from DHS. We have been assured by DHS that important system upgrades designed to enhance service delivery are nearing completion. These updates are vital for sustaining and advancing the quality and efficiency of services to better serve our state.
Once a contract is executed and funding is received by our Agency, we will schedule an opening date for clients to begin scheduling application appointments and communicate that information to the community.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding. We are committed to providing the highest standard of service for our communities and will be making every effort to minimize any further disruptions to the program.