VALDOSTA — At 6 a.m. Monday, March 4, the phone lines will open at Coastal Plain Area EOA for residents in need of heating assistance.

Angela Lawrence, community service center coordinator, said lines will stay open until all of the slots are filled. The assistance will help with an electric or gas bill, she said.

Coastal Plain began offering the aid to residents 65 and older in November and opened it up to the general public in December.

The nonprofit has since received additional funding and can provide help to the general public next week.

Proof of income from the past 30 days for all household members 18 years old and older is required.

“You have to be income qualified, but you don’t have to have income,” Lawrence said.

Each person in the household must submit proof of Social Security numbers.

Coastal Plain asks for last and/or current month’s heating bill for the household and the 2019 award letter for anyone receiving supplemental security income, Social Security, a pension, Veteran Affairs benefits or worker’s compensation.

Any household members 18 and older must have current proof of citizenship or legal immigration status.

A state-issued picture identification, such as a driver’s license, ID card, voter registration card, passport or military ID will suffice.

A current electric bill is required for assistance with gas or propane, according to the nonprofit.

Phone lines will be open 24 hours daily when appointments with Coastal Plain can be made. Phone lines will periodically close based on available funds, according to the nonprofit.

Applicants are required to meet federal income poverty guidelines.

“Anyone that has been assisted from November up until now cannot apply on Monday,” she said.

More aid can be provided for people who have already received this help beginning this November during the new fiscal year, Lawrence said.

Call (229) 351-4936, or visit coastalplain.cascheduler.com, to make appointments. Lowndes County applicants will be seen at the Lowndes County Community Service Center, 900 S. Troup St.

Lawrence said surrounding counties can be serviced at specified locations. To get this information, visit coastalplain.org. 

Amanda M. Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.