Buncombe County Department of Social Services

Economic Services:
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

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