In North Carolina LIHEAP funds are disbursed through block grants meant to aid households that spend a large percentage of their income to meet basic home energy needs. North Carolina residents who live below federal poverty level may apply with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. It’s a must for applicants to be U.S. citizens, legal aliens or green card holders. Applications are based on economic need, weather conditions and the percentage of income required meeting basic household energy needs.
In North Carolina, there are two types of benefits under LIHEAP. These two are Regular Benefits and Emergency Benefits; they are also in other words referred to as Cash Benefits and Crisis Benefits respectively.
Regular benefits (Cash Benefits) may be applied annually and their approval process is usually longer, the awarded amount is usually large. Emergency benefits (Crises Benefits) are usually reserved for those who are at immediate risk of having their utilities turned off, are dangerously low on fuel, or have been impacted by a natural disaster. In North Carolina, approval for his kind of grant is either approved or rejected within 48 hours.
In North Carolina and many other states, if a senior is receiving Supplemental Security Income, he or she is eligible for a Special Reduced Residential Service Rate Program, which provides an additional 20% off their electric and/or gas bills.
The state of North Carolina offers LIHEAP benefits on a first come-first serve basis. That means the moment the state funding pool is empty, LIHEAP financial assistance is no longer available until the following year. As a result, there is a rush to apply during the fall season as that is when most states begin accepting applications. North Carolina allows households with a person over the age of 60 to apply a month in advance; this guarantees seniors a well deserved priority.
During the application process, households must continue paying for their utility bill. Once a household has qualified for the LIHEAP program, North Carolina State automatically makes them eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). This is a program designed to assist low income households by providing insulation, replacing broken windows, and fixing or replacing heaters and furnaces. North Carolina LIHEAP funds may not be used to pay water bills unless the water is required for air conditioning. A list of North Carolina LIHEAP agency can be found at www.hsd.state.nm.us/LookingForAssistance/Field_Offices.
Being eligible for North Carolina LIHEAP is not a guarantee that the applicant will automatically receive the assistance. It all depends on the amount that Federal LIHEAP funds have availed for the entire year. Tenants who live in North Carolina’s subsidized housing with heat included in the rent are not eligible for energy assistance.
Must be United States citizens or qualified aliens living in the U.S. to be eligible for LIHEAP. Applications are managed at the state level.
The state of North Carolina LIHEAP has no specific age requirement for one to be eligible. Priority is however given to households with members who are above 60 years of age.
To be eligible for NC LIHEAP program, there are no major health or disability requirements. Households with strained finances due to disability stand higher chances of being accepted into the program.
Family status is also not a major requirement, however households with additional members living together increases the financial limits for eligibility.
The state of North Carolina mandates an acceptable income range for LIHEAP which is between 110% - 200% of the federal poverty level.
A senior’s veteran status is not a factor in determining eligibility for the LIHEAP program.
A household's utility company must participate in the North Carolina LIHEAP program.
Applicants should call their utility company to confirm participation and eligibility guidelines.
Social Security numbers for all persons living in household and proof of residency such as birth certificates or school records.
The Regular Benefit amount is between $100 and $1,000 a year. The Emergency Benefit amount is between $25 and $300 a year.
Those eligible for the Special Reduced Residential Service Rate Program would benefit from an additional 20% off their electric and/or gas bills. This could save an additional $1,000 a year for a typical household.
The approval process in North Carolina for the Regular Benefit is not more than 30 days. Once approved, payments are dispatched within 15 days after the date of approval. Emergency Services applications are approved within 48 hours. Visit http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/energy/req.htm for more eligibility details.
To begin the application process, contact a North Carolina LIHEAP office at www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/energy. Homebound applicants can request a home visit by local agency staff.
You can get North Carolina LIHEAP Application Information by Phone by dialing 1 (800) 662-7030.
You can also apply online by visiting North Carolina LIHEAP website at: www.hsd.state.nm.us/LookingForAssistance/apply-for-benefits.