Energy Assistance

Low Income Energy Assistance 

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 December 1 – 31. Clients who received LIEAP during the 2023/2024 Energy season and are actively receiving Food and Nutrition Services will have benefits automatically applied to their provider. 

All other households may apply from January 1 – March 31 or until funds are exhausted. 

Applications can be submitted in-person at DSS, online via epass.nc.gov, or by phone (828) 697-5500.

CIP (CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM) 

The Crisis Intervention Program provides federal funds to low-income families in heating and cooling crises. This includes utility bills, disconnect notices and other heating and cooling resources. There will be an assessment of the situation made and the family's ability to avoid the same situation from recurring will also be evaluated. Assistance is limited to $600.00 per household per fiscal year. The household income must be equal to or less than 150% of current poverty level and must contain a US Citizen or eligible alien and must be experiencing a crisis situation as defined by the State. 

Click here for eligibility info 

HOW TO APPLY 

1. *EPASS Applications for CIP & LIEAP become available beginning January  1, 2021 epass.nc.gov 
2. Via email ESinfo@HendersonCountyNC.gov  
3. By Telephone 828-697-5500 
4. By Fax 828-697-4976 
5. In person during business hours  
6. The drop box located in the front of the building anytime