The Coastal GA Area Community Action Authority, Inc. will assist eligible households with cooling bills.

Georgia’s Cooling Assistance program will start Monday, August 3, 2009, for homebound, disabled and elderly households 65 years or older. All other eligible families may apply starting August 10, 2009. Payments will be made directly to the home energy supplier.

To participate in the program, the family must meet an income equal to or less than 200 percent of the poverty guidelines as follows: for a one-person household $21,660; for two persons $29,140; for three persons $36,620; for four persons $44,100; for five persons $51,580; for six persons $59,060; for seven persons $55,540; for eight persons $74,020 and for each additional person add $7,480 annual income.

Applicants must bring their most recent fuel bill or statement of service from their cooling provider. They must also have proof of income for all household members for the last thirty- (30) days. This may be a check stub or an award letter granting public assistance, social security, VA or unemployment compensation. Applicants must also bring social security numbers and proof of age for all household members.

Anyone wishing to apply for benefits in Bryan County should call 1-866-423-8081 for an appointment. Households will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program will close when funds are exhausted.