November 2, 2011 -- The North Carolina Division of Social Services, the state LIHEAP grantee, has evaluated and updated the application process and eligibility requirements for the state's LIHEAP in accordance with changes mandated by the North Carolina General Assembly.
Citizens interested in receiving assistance with their heating costs during the cold-weather months need to be aware of these changes to the application process and the eligibility requirements for the LIHEAP benefit.
In the past, applications were taken in November and payments were sent directly to program recipients in February. Households participating in the Food and Nutrition Services Program (formerly called Food Stamps) were automatically approved. That is no longer the case. Under the program changes, ALL households must meet income and resource eligibility requirements and must apply for LIHEAP funds; there are no longer automatic approvals.
In addition, at the direction of the General Assembly, energy payments will now be made directly to the service provider, such as power, gas or oil companies during the month of the application.
Applications for persons age 60 and above or disabled persons (receives SSI, SSA or VA disability) who are receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) will be taken from December 1, 2011, through January 31, 2012, or until funds are exhausted.
Note: All members of the household must be 60 years of age or older, or at least one household member must be disabled and receiving services through the DAAS.
If funds remain available after January 31, 2012, any other eligible households may apply during February through the end of March.
For more information, please contact the local county department of social services. A list of these offices and contact information is available at www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/local/.
Source: North Carolina Health and Human Services
