The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced beginning Monday, households can apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and the Crisis Intervention Program(CIP) online.
Applicants can also call their county department of social services to apply by phone or print a paper application to mail, fax or drop off at their county department of social services.
“We know that this is going to be a challenging winter for many families because of COVID-19,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to apply for help with their heating costs this winter while staying safe and socially distant.”
The LIEAP is a seasonal program that provides a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.
LIEAP applications will be accepted starting Monday until March 31 or until funds are exhausted.
To be eligible for LIEAP, a household must:
- Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
- Have income equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty limit
- Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts and cash on hand, at or below $2,250
- Be responsible for their heating cost
The Crisis Intervention Program is a year-round program that assists those experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis. CIP applications will be accepted until June 30 or until funds are exhausted.
To be eligible for CIP, a household must:
- Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
- Have income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level
- Have an energy related crisis
- Have a utility statement that shows how much is owed to alleviate the crisis
