While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance for energy costs to low-income households. LIHEAP is a federal program that is administered by individual states, territories, and tribes. In North Carolina, LIHEAP is administered by the Department of Social Services.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in North Carolina, click here.
The North Carolina Department of Social Services oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating and cooling expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s heating assistance initiative in North Carolina, see the North Carolina state 2022 LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
LIHEAP Crisis Assistance, like standard LIHEAP benefits, is a cash grant provided to the utility companies of eligible individuals in certain situations.
If your household meets all the eligibility requirements above and has an energy-related crisis, you may qualify for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance.
The state of North Carolina defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:
A “life-threatening crisis situation” also qualifies a household for Crisis Assistance. This occurs when:
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $600.
Learn more about Crisis Assistance on page 12 of the LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the North Carolina Department of Social Services will consider:
Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.
As of 2024, the maximum annual benefit amount for heating and cooling in North Carolina is $500 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $300.
To qualify for LIHEAP in North Carolina, you must meet the following requirements:
The North Carolina Department of Social Services prioritizes households with elderly, disabled or young members. Elderly is considered 60 years or older.
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in North Carolina here.
If you or a member of your family participates in the benefit programs below, then you may automatically be eligible for LIHEAP based on your income:
Eligible households can only apply for LIHEAP assistance from January 1st until March 31st each year. Households with at least one person who is age 60 or older or disabled may begin to apply for benefits beginning December 1st.
LIHEAP applications cannot be submitted year-round.
To apply for LIHEAP in North Carolina, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process here.
Find your nearest Department of Social Services office and contact information here.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact your nearest Department of Social Services office. Find your nearest office here.
When applying for North Carolina LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state will need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:
Learn more about the documentation needed during the LIHEAP application process here.
You can call the Department of Social Services office where you applied to check your application status directly.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The North Carolina Department of Social Services will notify you after your application is processed if you are approved to receive benefits. All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.
If you are denied North Carolina LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision within 60 days of receiving the denial. To appeal a decision, you must contact your local Department of Social Services office. Find your nearest local office here.
If you have questions about the appeal process, contact the Department of Health and Human Services at (800) 662-7030.
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in North Carolina or require further assistance, contact your local Department of Social Services office. Find your nearest Department of Social Services office and contact information here.
You can also contact the Department of Health and Human Services at (800) 662-7030.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and compiled a guide that we believe is simple to use and easy to understand. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing detailed information on the process.
Our free LIHEAP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply for LIHEAP, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024