Seniors frustrated with non-profits utility assistance process [Video]

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Atlanta-area seniors are raising concerns on a program aimed to help pay their heating bills.

They say it’s nearly impossible to sign up for – and something needs to change.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program also known as LIHEAP is a federally funded program. The funds are distributed by the state to local community action agencies.

Brenda Rawling, 76, applies for utility assistance through Partnership for Community Action every 6 months.

She says she only has $172 left if she doesn’t get approved for the next round of funding, “My bill each month has been running up to 90 something dollars.”

Rawling says the application process has been an ongoing hassle.

“We are seniors we all are on fixed incomes,” she said. “We do the best we can to keep a roof over our head.”

The private non-profit has a special application window for seniors.

Rawling says she logged online the moment winter enrollment opened on Dec. 2, …