Checked October 13, 2026
Help paying bills in Georgia
Behind on your electric, gas or rent in Georgia? Here are the real programs, who to call, and what to do first. All free.
Do these 3 things first
- Call your power or gas company and ask for a payment arrangement before the due date.
- Mark your calendar for LIHEAP. Heating help usually opens the first workday of December for people 65+ and the medically homebound, and the first workday of January for everyone else. Find your local agency with the state's LIHEAP page.
- Dial 2-1-1 for local rent, food and bill help.
Help with electric and gas bills
LIHEAP (heating and cooling help)
Run by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) through local community action agencies, first come, first served by county. Heating help usually opens in December for seniors 65+ and the homebound, and in January for everyone else. Cooling help usually opens in April (seniors) and May (everyone). Income limit: 60% of state median income (last season: $34,549 a year for 1 person). Last winter some agencies opened weeks late while they waited for federal money, so check your agency's date.
Got a shutoff notice?
From November 15 to March 15, Georgia electric companies can't shut you off if the forecast is below 32°F for the 24 hours starting at 8 AM that day (48 hours for gas). You must agree in writing to pay the past-due balance in installments and keep paying current bills. Power also can't be cut during a National Weather Service heat advisory. You must get written notice at least 5 days before a shutoff. If someone in your home is seriously ill, tell the utility in writing and send a doctor's statement within 10 days.
If your utility won't help: Georgia Public Service Commission · 1-800-282-5813
Behind on rent
Georgia does not have one statewide rent program open right now. Dial 2-1-1 for emergency rent help in your county, and check with your local community action agency.
Food, health care and phone
SNAP (food), Medicaid (health) and TANF (cash)
Apply for all of them through Georgia Gateway.
Lifeline (phone or internet discount)
A federal discount on one phone or internet plan if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or meet income rules.
DFCS help line
Questions about benefits: 1-877-423-4746.
Lower the bills you pay every month
A 60-second check of your phone, car insurance, bank fees and credit. Free options first.
Make a plan for the next few months
Once the emergency is handled, see where your money goes and which bills to pay from each paycheck. The Budget Starter is free. The Debt Freedom Planner adds your debt-free date and a spending tracker.
Dealing with it right now? The Hard Month Kit ($9) has printable call scripts, a hardship letter and a bill priority worksheet.
We sell the planner. It never changes the advice on this page. How we make money.
Watch out for scams
Real help programs never charge a fee to apply. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto, and never give your login or PIN to anyone who calls you. Report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
Program details change. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount.
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