News 12 at 6 O'clock, November 2, 2009

Whether you're in Georgia or South Carolina, there may a way to brave the cold weather. Heating assistance programs for seniors are starting now.

If you're 65 or older, or even disabled, you can get up to 350 dollars to help with your power bill.

Burke, Columbia, McDuffie, and Richmond Counties are taking applications beginning today at area locations. Eligibility depends on your family's size and income. You can only receive benefits once per year.

In Burke County: the Burke Senior Center
In Columbia County: Carrie J. Mays
In McDuffie County: Human Development Center, McDuffie Senior Center
In Richmond County: Carrie J. Mays, May Park, Bernie Ward

Last year, the CSRA economic opportunity authority helped thousands.

In South Carolina, the program has run all year, helping seniors, disabled people, and large families.

Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, and Lexington Counties are only accepting emergency applications now. But the program begins again in January. You can get up to 300 dollars in assistance.

Aiken County:
CSBG & LIHEAP Programs
Post Office Box 2066, Aiken, SC 29802-2066
Phone: (803) 648-6836
Fax: (803) 649-1588
(Serves Aiken, Barnwell, and Lexington Counties)

Barnwell County:
Litchfield Apartment Complex
Barnwell, SC 29812
Phone: (803) 259-3145)

You can only get assistance in both states once per year. To be eligible, you'll have to fall below the poverty line. If you have subsidized housing or have your power bill included in your rent, you may not be eligible.

All you need to apply is your social security number, your ID, and a copy of your power bill.

Here are the other counties assistance centers:

Orangeburg-Calhoun-Allendale-Bamberg Community Action Agency, Inc.

CSBG and LIHEAP Programs

1822 Joe Jeffords Highway
Mailing address:
Post Office Drawer 710
Orangeburg, SC 29116-0710
Phone: (803) 536-1027
Fax: (803) 536-4657
E-mail: OCAB
(Serving Allendale, Bamberg, Calhoun and Orangeburg Counties)