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Emergency Assistance 

Buncombe County Department of Social Services oversees the distribution of Emergency Assistance funds as they become available to our community. These funds are for families in short-term financial crisis due to unusual circumstances.

Guidelines for Emergency Assistance

  • Can pay deposits
    • must be currently homeless to qualify for rental deposit
    • must be currently living in the home without power in order to qualify for electric deposit
  • Can pay occupancy costs
  • Can pay past due bills for:
    • rent
    • electricity (must have final notice)
    • gas for cooking or heating water
    • water-past due balances
  • Income eligibility is based on net income.
  • Maximum payment is $300 once a year, within a 30-day time period.
    • Example: Applicant applies and receives assistance of $180.00 on Jan. 2nd, client has until Feb. 2nd to use the remaining $120.00.
  • Must have a related child in household under age 18
  • Must be a Buncombe County resident with income at or below 110% Federal poverty level.
  • If two able-bodied adults live in the home one must be working.

Program Pays For:

  • Rent
  • Electric Bills
  • Deposits
  • Fuel Oil
  • Kerosene
  • Natural Gas
  • Propane
  • Water
  • Wood
  • Coal
  • Moving in costs

Program Does Not Pay For:

  • Rx (Prescription Meds)

Emergency Assistance Services include:

  • Low Income Energy Assistance Program
    A one-time cash payment to help eligible families pay their heating bills. Applications for this program are normally taken in October and November and the one-time cash payment is received in February.

  • Emergency Assistance for Families with Dependent Children
    Temporary financial assistance for families in financial crisis due to unusual circumstances.

  • The Crisis Intervention Program
    Assists low-income persons with fuel purchases when a heating-related crisis situation occurs.

  • CP&L Project Share
    Assists low-income CP&L customers in heating related crisis.
  • General Assistance
  • TANF-EA

Appointment Procedure

  • Phone call
  • Apply in person
  • Documentation
  • If deposit, must have statement regarding amount

What to bring with you

  • Income Verification
  • Shut -off/ Eviction Notice

How are services paid for?

Services are paid by Federal, State and County funds.

For a listing of county-wide programs & services offered by Buncombe County Government, please visit our Services section.