This news item expired on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced that the state's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) will be accepting applications beginning Dec. 1, 2014.
LIEAP is a federally-funded program that provides a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills during the cold-weather months. Citizens interested in applying should review the application process and the eligibility requirements for the LIEAP benefit, which may be found at www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/energy/req.htm.
Eligible households which include a person aged 60 and above or at least one disabled person (receiving SSI, SSA or VA disability) receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) can apply now.
If funds remain available after Dec. 31, any other eligible households may apply from January through March 2015, or until funds are exhausted.
Applications for Buncombe County residents will be accepted at Eblen Charities located at the Westgate Shopping Plaza in Asheville (50 Westgate Parkway, Asheville, NC 28806). Those who are unable to apply in person can call (828) 255-3066 to apply over the phone. The completed application will be mailed to applicants to obtain a signature along with instructions and a list of documents needed to process the application.
Residents from other counties in N.C. can apply by contacting their local county Department of Social Services. A list of these offices and contact information is available at www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/local/.