Need help heating your home this winter? Apply for help
Beginning Monday, people in North Carolina can apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program and Crisis Intervention Program.
Both are designed to help people pay their utility bills.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides a one-time (per heating season) heating supplement for low-income families. Applications for 2020–2021 heating season will continue through March 31 or until funds are exhausted.
To be eligible, a person must:
- Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets eligibility criteria;
- Have income equal to or less than 130 percent of the federal poverty limit, such as:
- For a household of one, an income of $16,236 or less
- For a family of four, an income of $33,480 or less;
- Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts and cash on hand, at or below $2,250; and
- Be responsible for their heating cost.
The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP), which assists families experiencing heating or cooling emergencies, is available through June 30 or until funds are exhausted. According to officials, "a household is in a crisis if it is currently experiencing or is in danger of experiencing a life-threatening or health-related emergency, and sufficient, timely and appropriate assistance is not available from any other source."
The state is encouraging people to apply for both programs online to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
