North Carolina LIEAP and crisis help: dates, income limits and how to apply

When you can sign up for LIEAP

NCDHHS lists these windows on its LIEAP page, without a year. Households with a person 60 or older, or a person with a disability who gets services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services, can sign up from Dec. 1 to 31. All other households can apply from Jan. 1 to March 31, or until funds run out. NCDHHS asks you to contact your county DSS for this season's dates.

Who can get LIEAP

A household must have at least one U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, meet an income test and be responsible for its heating costs. The regular limit is 130 percent of the poverty guidelines. A special group gets the 150 percent limit. The chart defines it as a household with someone 65 or older, or someone found disabled through Adult Services.

How much LIEAP pays

On the fiscal year 2026 chart, the amount depends on household size and income. For one person on the regular chart, income up to $848 a month meant $400, and $849 to $1,695 meant $300. For four people, income up to $1,741 meant $500, and $1,742 to $3,483 meant $400. The payment goes to your heating vendor.

Crisis Intervention Program

CIP is for a household that has, or may soon have, a heating or cooling emergency that threatens health or life. An example is having no heat or a disconnect notice for the main heat source. Applications run from July 1 to June 30, or until funds run out. Income must be at or below 150 percent of the poverty guidelines. Resources must be $4,500 or less if someone is 60 or older or disabled, and $3,000 or less for others. You need a utility statement that shows what is owed. You can apply by mail, email, fax or drop-off at your county DSS. NCDHHS says a face-to-face interview and a disconnect notice are not required at this time. A final notice or past-due bill can be used.

How to apply

Apply through your county Department of Social Services, or online through ePASS. Bring an ID, proof of address such as a lease, proof of citizenship or immigration status, Social Security numbers, proof of earned and unearned income, bank or ownership records, and a copy of your heating bills.

Frequently asked questions

When can seniors apply for LIEAP in North Carolina?

Households with someone 60 or older, or a person with a disability served by Adult Services, can sign up Dec. 1 to 31. Check with your county DSS for this season's dates.

Is CIP the same as LIEAP?

No. LIEAP is a once-a-year heating payment. CIP is crisis help for heating or cooling emergencies, open July 1 to June 30 while funds last.

Are there other energy programs in North Carolina?

Yes. NCDHHS lists utility funds such as Duke Energy Progress Share the Light and Piedmont Natural Gas Share the Warmth. Weatherization is run through the Department of Environmental Quality.