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Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally-funded program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.

Households including a person aged 60 or older or disabled persons receiving services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1 – 31. All other households may apply from Jan. 1 – March 31 or until funds are exhausted.

Households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
Meet an income test.
Have reserves at or below $2,250.(Resources will not be counted for this year’s Season from December 1, 2022-March 31, 2023)
Be responsible for its heating costs.

Eligibility

The following chart describes the Low Income Energy Assistance Eligibility Requirements.

Eligibility Requirement	What’s Needed	How Often
Identity	ID, Contact with someone knowledgeable of your situation.	At application
Address	Lease, rental agreement, any other shelter expenses, contact with someone knowledgeable of your situation.	At application or situation, if moving
Citizenship/ Alien Status	Verification of citizenship/alien status via Immigration and Naturalization Service.	At application
Social Security Number	Valid social security card or number.	At application
Earned Income: Wages/Self-Employment	Wage stubs, tax forms contacting employer.	At application
Unearned Income: Public Benefits/ Private Retirement Benefits/Trust, etc.	Documents from provider, award letter.	At application
Assets/Resources	Ownership and tax records – bank and court documents.	At application
Heating Expense	Copy of bills.	At application

Low-Income Energy Assistance Income Levels Based on 130% of Federal Poverty

CIP/LIEAP Q&A

How to Apply

Households including a person aged 60 or older or an individual receiving disability benefits and services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1 – 31. All other households may apply from Jan. 1 – March 31, or until funds are exhausted. Contact your local Department of Social Services for the application dates and for additional information on LIEAP. To apply for Energy Assistance online please visit NCDHHS – ePASS.