Bills

How to get heating assistance in North Carolina (LIEAP)

If you need help paying your heating bill this winter, North Carolina’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) or Crisis Intervention Program might be able to help.

LIEAP Program.

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a one-time payment that helps pay for your heating bill.

You are eligible for LIEAP if:

  • You pay your heating bill directly. Your heating bill must be in your name or you must prove you are responsible for paying the bill.
  • Your heating service is at risk of being turned off.
  • You apply at a DDS office in the county where you live.
  • Please note: households can reapply for LIEAP if denied within the same year if the household's situation has changed.

Some important details about LIEAP benefits.

  • There are 3 possible benefit amounts: $300, $400, and $500.
  • The amount you receive is based on your income, household size, and the fuel type in your home.
  • You can only receive one payment annually.
  • Funds may run out before the end of the enrollment period so apply as soon as possible.

Application deadlines for LIEAP:

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Where to apply.

You must apply at a local DDS office in the county where you live.
A list of offices can be found here**.
**Special application instructions for Native American Households below.

Crisis Intervention Program.

The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is for households experiencing or in danger of experiencing a life-threatening or health-related emergency as a result of not having heating or cooling services.

You are eligible for CIP if:

  • You pay your heating bill directly. Your heating bill must be in your name or you must prove you are responsible for paying the bill.
  • You have a heating or cooling service related crisis that puts someone in your household at risk of a health emergency.
  • You apply at a DDS office in the county where you live.

Some important details to know about CIP.

  • Funds cannot be used to pay for water, sewage, or trash fees attached to the energy bill.
  • Funds cannot pay bills in a deceased person or minor child's name.

Application dates for CIP.

Applications are open now until funds run out.

Where to apply.

You must apply at a local DDS office in the county where you live.
A list of offices can be found here**.
**Special application instructions for Native American Households below.

Information for Native American Households.

If your household has an 18+ Native American adult living in Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, or Scotland counties, you must apply for CIP and LIEAP benefits through the Lumbee Tribe.

If your household has a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) living in Cherokee, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, or Swain counties, you must apply for CIP and LIEAP benefits through the EBCI.