Application period for Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) starts Jan. 4
MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – Eligible applicants can submit applications for LIEAP, the annual energy assistance program, starting Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.
The LIEAP, or Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, provides a one-time annual vendor payment to help eligible families offset winter heating expenses. The household’s total countable income for the base period must be equal to or less than 130% of the current poverty level, and the household’s total resources must be $2,250 or less.
All eligible households can apply online through the ePASS portal at epass.nc.gov beginning Jan. 4.
Applicants can also submit a paper application through mail, fax or by dropping it off at their local Social Services Department.
Brunswick County Social Services will have paper applications and a drop box available for applications outside of its offices (Building B, 60 Government Center Drive, Bolivia, 28422) beginning Jan. 4.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brunswick County Social Services will only conduct interviews for the program over the phone to support social distancing initiatives. Individuals must provide a valid phone number on their application to ensure a Social Services team member can reach them in the event of questions or an interview.
Individuals can also contact their local Social Services Department for questions on how to apply.
- Phone: 910.253.2422
- Email: dss@brunswickcountync.gov
All household applications will be accepted from Jan. 4, 2021 to March 31, 2021, or until funds are exhausted.
Applicants must provide all income for the household and its members; checking and savings account statements for all members of the household; all property, stocks, bonds and other assets for all members of the household; the name, date of birth and social security number for each member of the household; and a copy of the current heating source bill, with the applicant’s name, address and account number.
To be eligible for the LIEAP program, a household must:
- Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
- Have income equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty limit
- Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts and cash on hand, at or below $2,250
- Be responsible for their heating cost
For more information on the program and eligibility, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/lowl-income-services/low-income-energy-assistance.
The following chart describes the Low-Income Energy Assistance Eligibility Requirements.
LIEAP Eligibility Requirements
| Eligibility Requirement | What's Needed | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ID, Contact with someone knowledgeable of your situation | At application |
| Address | Lease, rental agreement, any other shelter expenses, contact with someone knowledgeable of your situation | At application or situation, if moving |
| Citizenship/Alien Status | Verification of citizenship/alien status via Immigration and Naturalization Service | At application |
| Social Security Number | Valid social security card or number | At application |
| Earned Income: Wages/Self-Employment | Wage stubs, tax forms contacting employer | At application |
| Unearned Income: Public Benefits/Private Retirement Benefits/Trust, etc. | Documents from provider, award letter | At application |
| Assets/Resources | Ownership and tax records - bank and court documents | At application |
| Heating Expense | Copy of bills | At application |
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For media inquiries, contact the Public Information Officer at 910.253.2995 or email meagan.kascsak@brunswickcountync.gov
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County Contact Information & Virtual Services During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Brunswick County is urging individuals to visit our website and to call or email county departments for assistance first before visiting county offices. The County requires appointments for in-person visits. Not sure who to contact? Call our main line and we can help direct your calls.
- Main County Contact Information: 910.253.2000 / 800.442.7033