Heating assistance available in Rutherford County

People across Rutherford County and the State are eligible to apply for Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) online at www.epass.nc.gov. The application program began on Monday, Jan. 4.

Applying for these programs online is easy and convenient, as well as safe and helps people socially distance. Applicants can also call the Rutherford County Department of Social Services (828-287-6165) to apply by phone or print a paper application from www.epass.nc.gov to mail, fax or drop off at their county department of social services.

"We know that this is going to be a challenging winter for many families because of COVID-19," said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. "We want to make it as easy as possible for people to apply for help with their heating costs this winter while staying safe and socially distant."

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program is a seasonal program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills. LIEAP applications will be accepted March 31 or until funds are exhausted.

To be eligible for LIEAP, a household must:

- Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria;

- Have income equal to or less than 130 percent of the federal poverty limit;

- Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts and cash on hand, at or below $2,250;

- Be responsible for their heating cost.

The Crisis Intervention Program is a year-round program that assists individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis. A household is considered in crisis if it is currently experiencing or is in danger of experiencing a life threatening or health related emergency and assistance is not available from another source. CIP applications will be accepted until June 30 or until funds are exhausted.

To be eligible for CIP, a household must:

- Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria;

- Have income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level;

- Have an energy related crisis;

- Have a utility statement that shows how much is owed to alleviate the crisis.

NCDHHS strongly encourages families to take advantage of the new ways to apply for energy programs.