Energy Assistance
Public Notice: LIHEAP Block Grant Plan
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides heating, crisis and weatherization assistance. States are given broad latitude under block grant funding to design and operate their own programs, under certain restrictions.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public comments on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Block Grant Plan, which outlines how the federal LIHEAP block grant funds will be spent in North Carolina in federal fiscal year 2025-2026. The Administration of Children and Families allowed North Carolina the option to clone the plan from last year and make updates.
Please see the "LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan" attachment in the Supporting Documents below.
Public Hearing webinar will take place Monday June 30, 2025, to go over Block Grant Plan and address any questions, comments or concerns. Please use link below to register.
Please register for LIHEAP Model Plan 2025 public hearing on June 30, 2025, 10:30 AM EDT at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8921224490561173850
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Comments will be accepted until 5 pm on Monday, June 30, 2025. Comments can be emailed to Jasmyne Simmons at Jasmyne.Simmons@dhhs.nc.gov and Emma Burgy at Emma.Burgy@dhhs.nc.gov."
Disaster Energy Assistance Program
Disaster Energy Benefits can help those who suffered losses related to Hurricane Helene. Benefits can be used to help pay for:
Assistance with utility bills, Utility Reconnection Costs/Fees, Utility Tanks, Utility Meter Repair, Propane/Fuel Oil Tanks, Natural gas/propane line repair, Propane/Fuel Oil Supply, Insulation Replacement, Replacement of wiring/circuit board needed to heat the home, Furnace repair or replacement costs, Coats and blankets, Space Heaters/Electric Heaters.
Henderson County DSS will begin taking applications on January 15, 2025. You can apply in person at 1200 Spartanburg Hwy, Suite 300, Hendersonville NC or by phone at (828) 697-5500.
Providers who complete services/repairs must be licensed and the service/repair must be completed within 45 days of the approved request.
Low Income Energy Assistance
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally-funded program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.
Households including a person aged 60 or older or disabled persons receiving services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to sign up for assistance from December 1 – 31. Clients who received LIEAP during the 2023/2024 Energy season and are actively receiving Food and Nutrition Services will have benefits automatically applied to their provider.
All other households may apply from January 1 – March 31 or until funds are exhausted.
Applications can be submitted in-person at DSS, online via epass.nc.gov, or by phone (828) 697-5500.
CIP (CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM)
The Crisis Intervention Program provides federal funds to low-income families in heating and cooling crises. This includes utility bills, disconnect notices and other heating and cooling resources. There will be an assessment of the situation made and the family's ability to avoid the same situation from recurring will also be evaluated. Assistance is limited to $600.00 per household per fiscal year. The household income must be equal to or less than 150% of current poverty level and must contain a US Citizen or eligible alien and must be experiencing a crisis situation as defined by the State.
HOW TO APPLY
- *EPASS Applications for CIP & LIEAP become available beginning January 1, 2021 epass.nc.gov
- Via email ESinfo@HendersonCountyNC.gov
- By Telephone 828-697-5500
- By Fax 828-697-4976
- In person during business hours
- The drop box located in the front of the building anytime
