Last updated: July 16, 2026
Bottom line
If you cannot pay an electric, gas, water, sewer, phone, or internet bill in Georgia, start with the company that sent the bill. Ask for a payment plan, the smallest amount needed to stop disconnection, and any hardship program. Then contact the Community Action Agency that serves your county and call Georgia 211 for other local funds.
The main statewide energy program is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Georgia handles LIHEAP through local Community Action Agencies. The Georgia LIHEAP page says assistance is first come, first served while funds remain. Payments normally go to the home energy supplier, not to the applicant as cash.
Georgia’s 2026 cooling season opened April 1 for residents age 65 or older and medically homebound households. It opened May 1 for all other eligible households. As of July 16, 2026, the statewide application period has started, but appointments or money may already be limited in some counties. Call the local agency before depending on help.
For national program basics, use ASMOM’s LIHEAP and utility guide. The Georgia help page covers other state assistance.
If you have a shutoff notice
Do not wait for LIHEAP alone. Call the utility today. Ask whether a payment arrangement, medical protection, weather hold, or pending-assistance note can stop the shutoff. Get the answer and payment terms in writing when possible.
- Georgia Power customer: A summer heat rule can temporarily stop a nonpayment disconnection when a National Weather Service Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning applies to the county on the shutoff date.
- EMC or city utility customer: The Georgia Public Service Commission says its summer rule does not cover municipal electric utilities or electric membership corporations. Ask your provider for its own policy.
- Serious illness: For service covered by PSC rules, notify the company that disconnection would make a serious illness worse. Written notice and medical proof have short deadlines.
- Local emergency funds: Dial 211 through Georgia 211. The free, confidential line operates 24 hours a day and can search for utility funds, food, shelter, and other services.
If the utility problem is part of a larger crisis, use ASMOM’s Georgia emergency guide while applications are pending.
Where to start
Electric or gas bill
Call the supplier, then contact your county Community Action Agency for LIHEAP, crisis assistance, and local fuel funds.
Active shutoff notice
Ask the utility what payment stops disconnection today. Tell the agency the exact shutoff date when seeking outside help.
Water or sewer bill
Call the city or county water provider. Ask about a payment plan, hardship credit, leak adjustment, discount, or local nonprofit partner.
Phone or internet
Check the federal Lifeline program and provider low-cost plans. The Affordable Connectivity Program is no longer funded.
Quick reference
| Need | First place to try | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling or heating bill | Local Community Action Agency | LIHEAP is first come, first served and can run out. |
| Shutoff within days | Utility company and CAA | A protection may delay shutoff but does not erase the balance. |
| Georgia Power discount | Income-Qualified Discount | Income and an approved category are required. |
| Natural gas access | Marketer or regulated provider | Rates, deposits, payment plans, and qualification rules differ. |
| Water or sewer bill | Local water provider | Georgia has no single statewide water-assistance program. |
| Phone or internet bill | Federal Lifeline | Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. |
| High monthly energy use | Weatherization or EASE | Programs may have waitlists and home-access rules. |
How LIHEAP works in Georgia
LIHEAP helps eligible households with heating and cooling costs. Georgia uses local Community Action Agencies for applications, document review, and supplier payments. Use the state energy application page or the CAA agency finder to identify the correct office.
For 2026 cooling assistance, Georgia requires annual household income at or below 60% of the state median income. The official announcement lists $34,549 for a one-person household and $77,071 for a five-person household. The local agency must confirm the limit for your exact household size.
| LIHEAP fact | Current Georgia rule |
|---|---|
| 2026 cooling priority start | April 1 for age 65 or older and medically homebound households |
| 2026 general cooling start | May 1 for all other eligible households |
| Income test | At or below 60% of Georgia state median income |
| Payment method | Direct payment to the home energy supplier |
| Availability | First come, first served until local funds are exhausted |
The 2026 cooling notice says applicants should bring the most recent energy bill, Social Security numbers, citizenship proof, recent income proof for adult household members, and benefit verification when applicable.
Heating assistance normally starts on the first workday of December for residents age 65 or older and medically homebound households. Other eligible residents typically start on the first workday of January. Confirm the next heating announcement because dates and local appointment systems can change.
LIHEAP is not instant
An application does not guarantee payment or stop a shutoff. Keep calling the utility, follow the payment plan, and tell the agency if the account has already been disconnected.
Georgia shutoff protections
The PSC disconnection rules explain notice, weather, illness, and complaint protections for covered utility service. The utility must normally give written notice at least five days before an electric disconnection and make a good-faith contact attempt at least two days before the proposed shutoff.
| Protection | What it may do | What you need to do |
|---|---|---|
| Summer heat rule | Temporarily blocks Georgia Power nonpayment shutoff during a county heat advisory or excessive heat warning | Confirm the weather alert and call Georgia Power; the hold ends when the alert ends |
| Winter rule | Limits certain electric or gas shutoffs during qualifying freezing weather from November 15 through March 15 | Agree in writing to pay current bills and the past balance under the required schedule |
| Serious illness | Can prevent nonpayment shutoff when loss of service would worsen a serious illness | Notify the company and submit the required written and medical statements within 10 days |
| Billing dispute | Allows the company and PSC to review a claimed error | Keep the bill, notice, receipts, and call records; act within the stated deadline |
The PSC’s 2026 heat notice says the summer rule covers Georgia Power residential customers. Electric cooperatives and municipal utilities are not covered by that PSC rule, so those customers must ask their provider about separate protections.
For serious illness, oral notice is allowed first, but written notice must follow within 10 days. The utility must also receive a statement from a physician, county board of health, hospital, or clinic within 10 days of the first notice. The statement must identify the illness, its expected duration, and why shutoff would make it worse.
Electric bill help
Georgia Power discounts
The current income-qualified discount can reduce an eligible Georgia Power bill by $33.50 per month. Household income must generally be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, and the customer must also fit an approved category such as age 65 or older, SSI, SSDI, or Housing Choice Voucher participation. The account and rate plan must meet program rules.
Georgia Power also offers an EASE efficiency program for some income-qualified customers. It may provide no-cost home energy improvements after an assessment. Eligibility, property access, prior participation, and available measures affect approval.
Project SHARE
Project SHARE is an emergency-assistance fund operated with The Salvation Army. Local offices may use funds for utilities and other basic needs. Assistance is not guaranteed, and intake rules differ by area.
Natural gas bill help
If you buy gas from a marketer on the Atlanta Gas Light system, call the marketer named on the bill. Ask about a payment arrangement, deposit help, hardship policy, and any senior discount. Atlanta Gas Light maintains a gas assistance page with current energy-help information.
Customers age 65 or older whose household income meets the current limit may qualify for an Atlanta Gas Light discount of up to $14 on monthly base charges. The natural gas service must be in the applicant’s name.
The Georgia Public Service Commission has approved SCANA Energy as the regulated gas provider for low-income customers and people who cannot obtain or keep service from another marketer. This does not mean every applicant receives the same rate, deposit, or payment plan.
H.E.A.T. fuel assistance
The Heating Energy Assistance Team works through Community Action Agencies. Its H.E.A.T. help page says winter distribution normally begins in November for people age 65 or older and medically homebound households, then opens to the general public in December. Funds require a shutoff notice or need for restoration and remain limited.
Water and sewer help
Water help is local because cities and counties run separate systems. Call the provider before the shutoff date. Ask about a payment arrangement, hardship fund, leak adjustment, low-income discount, senior or disability discount, and plumbing-repair program.
- City of Atlanta: Care and Conserve offers bill assistance to some low- and moderate-income residential customers. It also connects eligible households with plumbing help that may prevent repeat high bills.
- City of Savannah: The city offers utility payment arrangements. Call customer service before the account reaches shutoff.
- Clayton County: The water affordability programs include hardship help of up to $200 in a 12-month period and a monthly low-income discount of up to $5 for qualifying customers.
These examples do not cover every Georgia water provider. A program in one city cannot pay a bill from another system. Use 211 and the provider’s customer-service office for county-specific help.
Phone and internet help
The federal Lifeline program lowers the cost of qualifying phone, internet, or bundled service. The official Lifeline benefit page lists a discount of up to $9.25 per month for internet or bundled service and up to $5.25 for phone-only service.
A household may qualify through income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or through certain benefit programs. Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. After approval, choose a participating company that serves your address.
Use ASMOM’s phone and internet guide for applications, low-cost provider plans, and safe ways to compare offers.
Lower utility bills long term
Emergency bill help solves one balance. Weatherization may reduce future energy use. Georgia’s Weatherization Assistance Program serves eligible households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Priority goes to older adults, people with disabilities, and families with children.
Approved work depends on a home energy audit. It may include air sealing, insulation, heating and cooling improvements, efficient lighting, and water-saving devices. Renters may apply, but the agency may need owner permission.
The weatherization application page directs households to a local service agency. Waitlists are possible, and the program does not promise a new heating or cooling system.
Documents and information to gather
Do not wait until every paper is perfect before calling. Ask which substitutes are accepted. ASMOM’s documents checklist can help you save clear copies.
| Information | Examples | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Utility account | Full bill, account number, provider, shutoff notice | Shows the balance, address, and deadline. |
| Household identity | Photo ID and requested identity records | Confirms who is applying. |
| Household members | Social Security numbers and citizenship or status proof when required | Used for LIHEAP household review. |
| Income | Recent pay stubs, benefit letters, unemployment, support received | Shows whether the household meets income rules. |
| Medical protection | Provider statement with illness and expected duration | May support a serious-illness disconnection hold. |
| Water problem | Leak report, repair estimate, unusually high bills | May support an adjustment or plumbing program. |
| Application proof | Appointment confirmation, upload receipt, email, case number | Helps show that assistance is pending. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until shutoff day. Call when the past-due or disconnect notice arrives.
- Assuming an application stops disconnection. Only the utility can confirm an account hold.
- Using the wrong CAA. The agency must serve the county where the bill address is located.
- Sending an incomplete bill. Include pages showing the name, address, account number, balance, and shutoff date.
- Missing medical deadlines. Written notice and the provider statement are time-sensitive.
- Paying a scammer. LIHEAP and interpretation services are free. Do not pay an application fee.
- Ignoring other bills. Food, rent, and child care help may free money for the utility balance.
If help is denied, delayed, or the shutoff is wrong
Ask for the reason in writing. A LIHEAP problem may involve missing proof, income, the wrong county, a bill credit, closed appointments, or exhausted funds. Ask whether the file can be corrected or reconsidered and request the agency’s complaint or fair-hearing steps.
If a utility bill or shutoff is wrong, contact the company first and ask for a supervisor. Keep the bill, disconnection notice, payment receipts, medical records, and a call log.
The PSC says a customer who believes service was disconnected in error should ask the utility to correct it. If the utility cannot resolve the dispute, request a PSC investigation. For a disputed bill, the PSC page says to make the request within 10 days of receiving the bill. Use the PSC consumer page or call 800-282-5813.
The PSC regulates Georgia Power and natural gas marketers, but it does not handle every municipal, cooperative, water, phone, or internet complaint. Ask the provider which local board, city office, federal agency, or appeal process has authority.
Use ASMOM’s benefits problem guide to organize dates, notices, and calls. The Georgia legal guide lists civil legal resources.
Backup options if LIHEAP is closed
Ask the CAA when appointments or funds may reopen and whether it administers H.E.A.T., Project SHARE, crisis funds, weatherization, or another local program. Then call 211 and the utility’s hardship department.
- Food: Use ASMOM’s Georgia SNAP guide and Georgia WIC guide so grocery money does not have to cover utilities.
- Cash and child care: Check the Georgia TANF guide and Georgia child care guide when work and care costs are driving the crisis.
- Housing: Use the Georgia housing guide if rent and utility debt are both at risk.
- Local help: The Georgia community guide lists nonprofits and county resources.
- Safety: If utility shutoff is tied to abuse or unsafe housing, use the Georgia safety guide from a safer device when possible.
Phone scripts
Calling the utility
“Hello, I have a past-due balance and a shutoff date of [date]. What is the smallest payment needed to stop disconnection, and can I set up a written payment plan while I apply for assistance?”
Calling Community Action
“Hello, I live in [county] and need LIHEAP help for [electric or gas]. Are cooling, crisis, or fuel-fund appointments open? What documents and application method do you require?”
Calling about illness protection
“Someone in my home has a serious illness that would get worse without service. What written notice and medical statement do you need, where should they be sent, and what is the deadline?”
Calling Georgia 211
“Hello, I live in ZIP code [number] and have a utility shutoff notice. I already called the utility and Community Action. Can you search for local energy, water, charity, and emergency funds that are accepting requests?”
Resumen en español
Si no puede pagar la electricidad, el gas, el agua, el teléfono o internet en Georgia, llame primero a la compañía. Pida un plan de pago y pregunte cuánto debe pagar para evitar el corte.
Para ayuda con calefacción o aire acondicionado, contacte a la agencia Community Action de su condado y pregunte por LIHEAP. En 2026, la ayuda para enfriamiento empezó el 1 de abril para personas de 65 años o más y personas médicamente confinadas en casa. Empezó el 1 de mayo para otros hogares elegibles. Los fondos pueden terminar.
Si una enfermedad seria empeoraría sin servicio, pregunte por la protección médica y entregue los documentos dentro del plazo. También puede llamar al 211 para buscar ayuda local. Una solicitud no garantiza pago ni detiene automáticamente el corte.
Frequently asked questions
Can single mothers get utility help in Georgia?
Yes. A household may qualify for LIHEAP, a utility discount, a payment plan, local water help, Lifeline, weatherization, or charity funds. Each program has separate rules and limited funding.
Is Georgia LIHEAP open in July 2026?
The 2026 cooling application period has started statewide. All eligible households could begin applying May 1. Local appointments or funds may already be closed, so contact the county Community Action Agency.
Does LIHEAP send cash to the applicant?
No. Georgia LIHEAP normally makes a direct payment to the household’s home energy supplier. The approved amount depends on program rules and available funding.
Can Georgia Power disconnect service during extreme heat?
Georgia Power cannot disconnect a residential customer for nonpayment when a qualifying National Weather Service Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning applies to the county on the scheduled date.
Can a serious illness stop a utility shutoff?
For service covered by PSC rules, a serious illness may temporarily prevent disconnection. The customer must notify the utility and submit the required written and medical statements within 10 days.
Is there statewide help for Georgia water bills?
No single water program covers the whole state. Contact the city or county provider about payment plans, hardship funds, leak adjustments, discounts, and local nonprofit partners.
Last updated: July 16, 2026. Next review: October 16, 2026.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 16, 2026, next review October 16, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.