LIHEAP is a federally funded program that has two financial assistance offerings that may help low-income individuals in North Carolina with utility costs.

• – The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that provides a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their bills during winter months. In North Carolina, 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.
• – Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) funds serve individuals and families who are experiencing or in danger of experiencing a heating or cooling-related crisis at any time throughout the year.

To learn more about LIHEAP qualifications and benefits or to apply for assistance, please visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

You may also visit NC ePass and create a new NCID account to log in and apply for energy assistance. This one-stop portal makes it easy to apply for NC assistance programs, including energy assistance, that can help cover necessary expenses during this difficult time. It is set up so that caretakers or family members may also submit applications on behalf of others in need. Note: You may also apply for energy assistance without creating an NCID account.