Georgia Department of Human Resources, with whom North Georgia Community Action Inc. contracts, has announced that the energy assistance program will officially open on Dec. 1 for the general public.

All households participating in the program must meet the income criteria; be responsible for paying the cost of energy for home heating directly to the supplier; and be U.S. citizens or aliens admitted to the U.S. for lawful, permanent residence.

To apply, applicants must bring their most recent heating bill, proof of household income, proof of valid Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or alien status.

Assistance will be in the form of a one-time payment on behalf of the eligible household to help offset to the cost of heating their homes. The checks are issued directly to the home energy supplier. No checks can be issued until North Georgia Community Action Inc. receives the funds from the Georgia Department of Human Resources. Assistance is on a “first-come, first-served” basis, while the funds last.

Any low-income residents of the county who would like to apply need to contact North Georgia Community Action Inc.’s Community Service Center for their county of residence beginning Dec. 1 at 8:30 a.m.