The North Carolina Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills. Depending on the household’s primary heating source, the payment will be $300, $400 or $500. The Cumberland County Department of Social Services will begin accepting applications for LIEAP from all qualified households beginning December 1, 2021, through March 31, 2022, or until funds are exhausted. In December, only households with elderly or disabled persons receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) can apply for LIEAP.
Thousands of eligible households will receive an automated LIEAP payment for the 2020-2021 LIEAP season if they meet the below criteria:
- If a member of the household is age 60 or older, or receiving disability services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services
- Eligible households with children aged 0-10 years
- And currently receives Food and Nutrition Services
- and received LIEAP during the 2020-2021 season.
These households will be notified of eligibility and do not need to apply for this benefit.
All other households must make an application.
Applications can be submitted in the following ways.
- Submit an online application at https://epass.nc.gov
- Apply by phone @ 910-323-1540
- Submit a paper application which can be accessed at http://ccdssnc.com/energy-assistance-programs , once completed the application can be mailed through U.S. Mail, to
- O. Box 2429, Fayetteville, NC 28302
- or faxed to (910)677-2885
- e-mailed to energyprogram@ccdssnc.com,
- dropped off at CCDSS drop boxes at 1225 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301.
- Applications can be made in person from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Department of Social Services office.
Applications must be completed and signed.
Gross income cannot exceed 130% of the federal poverty level as shown in the following table.
| Number living in home |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
| Maximum Gross Household Income |
1,395 |
1,887 |
2,379 |
2,871 |
3,363 |
3,855 |
4,346 |
4,838 |
5,330 |
5,822 |
To determine eligibility, the following verifications must be provided:
- Identification of head of household
- Social Security number for all household members
- Copy of heating bill
- Gross income received in prior month
- Childcare expenses and legal support obligations paid in the prior month
Households that include a Native American who is 18 years of age or older residing in Cumberland County, who wish to apply for LIEAP benefits, must do so with the Lumbee Tribe at https:///lumbeetribe.comservices.