• By Amanda Pruitt
• Posted Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Apply for Energy Assistance Online

The NC Department of Health and Human Services will allow households to apply for the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) online at www.epass.nc.gov beginning January 4, 2021. Households may also visit www.epass.nc.gov to print a paper CIP or LIEAP application that can be completed to mail, fax, or drop off at the Department of Social Services.

Crisis Intervention applications will be accepted until June 30, 2021 or until funds are exhausted. To be eligible for the CIP program, a household must:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
• Meet the income test
• Have an energy related crisis
• Have a utility statement that shows how much is owed to alleviate the crisis
• Must have a health related or life threatening emergency

LIEAP applications will be accepted from Jan. 4, 2021 to March 31, 2021 or until funds are exhausted. To be eligible for the LIEAP program, 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
• Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts and cash on hand, at or below $2,250
• Have a utility statement that shows how much is owed to alleviate the crisis
• Be responsible for their heating cost

Families are strongly encouraged to take advantage of all the new ways to apply for energy programs.