​Energy Assistance Programs

Do you need help paying your heating, cooling and other energy bills?

We offer programs to help eligible low-income households with their immediate energy needs.

Programs

Low Income Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federal program available December - March that assists households with their home heating needs, so they won't have to choose between heating their homes and paying for other basic needs. You do not have to be at risk of disconnection or delinquent to take advantage of this one-time, direct vendor payment in the amount of $300, $400 or $500. Residents must meet the income guidelines, be responsible for the bill, provide their account number and show proof of income.

LIEAP assistance is available Dec. 1 - March 31 or until funds run out. Applications are accepted in December from residents age 60 and older, or disabled and receiving services through the N.C. Division of Aging and Adult Services. All households can apply January - March 31.

Crisis Intervention Program

Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is a year-round program that assists individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis, a life threatening or health related emergency, and have a final notice or past due utility bill. Residents must meet the income guidelines, be responsible for the bill, provide their account number and show proof of income.

CIP Assistance is available year-round or until funds run out.

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary emergency program to help eligible households and families afford water and wastewater services, providing a one-time payment for eligible low-income households paid directly to the utility company. LIHWAP runs through September 2023 or until the funds are exhausted.

If your water or wastewater services have been cut off or if you have received notice that your services are in danger of being cut off because your bill is past due, or you simply need help paying your water bill, you may be eligible.

​	​ ​What verification do I need? Any of the following forms of identification: Driver License, State ID Card, or Passport Utility Bill Social Security Number Proof of Income

Does My Household Qualify?

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

• One U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Income below 130% of Federal Poverty Level (see annual income guidelines below)
• Responsible for energy bills
• You DO NOT have to be behind on your power or natural gas bill for assistance ​

Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)

• One U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Income below 150% of Federal Poverty Level (see annual income guidelines below)
• Responsible for energy bills
• Household must be in a heating or cooling related emergency

Apply for Assistance

• Visit North Carolina ePASS to apply online.
• Call 704-336-3000 to begin an application by phone.
• Download an application below:
• LIEAP and CIP: English | Español
• LIHWAP: English | Español
  
  
• Mail the completed application to 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
• Email the completed application to DSS.
• Deliver a completed application or apply in person at a DSS location:
• Wallace H. Kuralt Center, 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 | View map
• Valerie C. Woodard Center, Suite 1800, 3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte NC 28208 | View map

Spread the Word

Download and print a flyer to share with your friends, family, and community:

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP): English  | Español

Crisis Intervention Program (CIP):  English  | Español

Questions

If you have questions or need further assistance, email us or call 704-336-3000.