As winter weather makes headlines nationally, N.C. DHHS wants to remind North Carolinians about the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Applications are still being accepted through March 2015 or until funding is exhausted.
LIEAP is a federally-funded program administered in North Carolina through the Department of Health and Human Services. It provides almost $51 million toward helping eligible households pay their heating bills.
Since Dec. 1, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program has provided approximately $24 million to help more than 80,000 households pay their heating bills and stay warm this winter.
"LIEAP is truly a life-saver for many vulnerable North Carolinians," said David Locklear, Acting Chief for Economic and Family Services for N.C. DHHS' Division of Social Services. "Energy assistance is critical for homes with someone at risk for a life-threatening illness or death in the cold winter months."
Nearly half of the households receiving assistance include an occupant aged 60 and above. Others include at least one disabled person (receiving SSI, SSA or VA disability) who receives services through N.C. DHHS' Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS).
To be eligible, households must meet income requirements, have reserves at or below $2,250 and be responsible for paying its own heating bills.
For more information, contact your local department of social services. A list of these offices and contact information is available at www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/local/.
In addition to LIEAP, DHHS also offers energy assistance through a Crisis Intervention Program. For more information, visit http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/crisis/index.htm