New Hanover County issued the following announcement on Dec. 14.
New Hanover County Health and Human Services is administering the federally-funded Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) for qualified households. The program provides a one-time annual utility payment to help eligible families cover their heating expenses during the cold-weather months.
The state has continued utilizing the pandemic LIEAP automated payment process to help the elderly and disabled population from having to physically come into the agency to apply. Eligible households may qualify for an automated payment for the 2021-2022 LIEAP season if a member of the household:
- Is age 60 or older, or a person with a disability receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS); AND
- Currently receives Food and Nutrition Services; AND
- Received LIEAP during the 2020-2021 season.
As of December 1, any household meeting those aforementioned qualifications who did not receive an automated payment can contact New Hanover County Health and Human Services at 910-798-3500 to check their eligibility and receive instructions on how to apply.
Beginning January 3, 2022, all other households in need of assistance can submit a LIEAP application through the Epass portal at epass.nc.gov. Applications will also be available to download by visiting SocialServices.NHCgov.com. Once downloaded and filled out, these applications can be submitted by email to DSSinfo@NHCgov.com, by fax at 910-798-7824, or mailed to/dropped off at New Hanover County Health and Human Services’ Department of Social Services at 1650 Greenfield Street, Wilmington, NC 28402. You may also apply by calling (910) 798-3500. Households may also apply in-person at the Health and Human Services building at 1650 Greenfield Street.
To be eligible for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program starting January 3, 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% of the federal poverty limit
- Be responsible for their heating cost
“We know how important this service has been for our residents in need the last few years and we are working to offer a variety of ways families can submit an application and be interviewed over the phone for LIEAP,” said Social Services Director Tonya Jackson. “We encourage anyone who isn’t sure if they qualify for this assistance or if they need help navigating the application process to call at 910-798-3500.”
Original source can be found here.
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