The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will open its Low Income Energy Assistance Program application on Dec. 1 for older adults and people with disabilities.
The LIEAP is a federally funded program that helps to offset the high costs of keeping homes warm in the cooler winter months.
"We know the cost of most things are increasing, and keeping homes warm and safe this winter will be a bigger burden for some of our neighbors," said Carla West, Senior Director for Human Services at NCDHHS. "LIEAP helps ensure North Carolina’s older adults and people with disabilities who may be facing a financial hardship have the funds to help stay warm throughout these colder months."
The program submits a one-time automatic payment to heating vendors beginning December 2023 for households that fall under a certain criterion. LIEAP provided approximately $63 million last year to help more than 143,000 households pay heating bills between December 2022 and March 2023.
To be eligible for the program, a household must have at least one person that meets the eligibility requirements, make an income of less than or equal to 130% of the federal poverty limit and be responsible for the cost of their heating.
A member of the household must be at least 60 years old or older or a person that has a disability and receives services through the NCDHHS Division of Aging and Adult Services, receive Food and Nutrition Services and received a LIEAP payment during the 2022-23 season.
All households that qualified and met the criterion were notified this month and should not reapply for LIEAP.
However, for those who do meet the requirements listed by the NCDHHS and did not receive a notification about an automatic payment, can apply online. They can also contact their local county department of social services to apply over the phone, in person or by mailing, faxing or dropping off a printed copy.
All other households that meet the eligibility requirements can begin applying for assistance on Jan. 2, 2024 until March 31 or until funds run out. People can find out more information about the program and eligibility on the NCDHHS website.