The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) began accepting applications on January 2, 2025, for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). This program offers support to households struggling to meet heating costs during the colder months.
In addition, for residents of 25 counties severely affected by Hurricane Helene, the NC General Assembly has allocated additional Disaster Energy Assistance funding. Starting January 15, 2025, applications for these supplemental funds are being accepted.
The 25 disaster-declared counties include Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey.
Program Details
Households in these counties can apply for both LIEAP and Disaster Energy Assistance. The latter is designed to help low-income households afford heating services, repair inoperable heating systems, or restore services disconnected due to Hurricane Helene’s impact.
Eligibility for Disaster Energy Assistance requires:
- At least one U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen in the household.
- Income at or below 60% of the state median income.
- Residence in one of the identified counties during Hurricane Helene, with continued residence in one of those counties.
- Documented impact or loss due to the hurricane.
Funds will be distributed based on household need and circumstances. Applications can be submitted in-person or by phone through local county social services departments.
Supporting Recovery Efforts
Carla West, Division Director of Human Services, emphasized the significance of these programs. “Our friends and family in western North Carolina will feel the impacts from Hurricane Helene for years to come. We are only midway through winter, and these funds are critical to keep residents safe and warm as they continue to recover and rebuild.”
The NC General Assembly appropriated $9 million in state funds to create the Disaster Energy Assistance program, ensuring eligible residents have access to necessary heating services as they rebuild from the disaster.
Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis until they are exhausted.
For more information or to apply, contact your local county department of social services.
