SOCIAL SERVICES

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program is a federal program that normally provides a one-time payment in February to vendors on behalf eligible households to assist with heating expenses.

How to Apply

DSS officials encourage families that need help to apply.

In 2011 the North Carolina Division of Social Services evaluated the program and updated it in accordance with changes mandated by the General Assembly.

Eligibility requirements include:

• At least one household member must be age 60 and above OR a disabled person receiving services through the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS).
• Households must meet income/resource eligibility and must apply.
• Household must be responsible for its heating expense.
• Applicants must meet citizenship eligibility.
• There will NOT be automatic approvals.
• Energy payments will go directly to the service provider, which may include power, gas or oil companies.

Applications are normally accepted during December for households with at least one member age 60 and above or a disabled person receiving services through DAAS. If funds remain available, all other households typically are able to apply beginning in January during normal business hours at:

Lenoir County Department of Social Services
130 W King Street
Kinston, NC 28501