LIHEAP Application Instructions


 To begin the application process, contact a North Carolina LIHEAP office at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/localDSS. Homebound applicants can request a home visit by local agency staff.

Phone Application
You can get North Carolina LIHEAP Application Information by Phone by dialing 1 (800) 662-7030.

Online Application

You can also apply online by visiting North Carolina LIHEAP website at: www.hsd.state.nm.us/LookingForAssistance/apply-for-benefits.

Eligibility Requirements


Being eligible for North Carolina LIHEAP is not a guarantee that the applicant will automatically receive the assistance. It all depends on the amount that Federal LIHEAP funds have availed for the entire year. Tenants who live in North Carolina’s subsidized housing with heat included in the rent are not eligible for energy assistance.

In order to qualify for this program you must meet the below criteria:

  • Must be United States citizens or qualified aliens living in the U.S. to be eligible for LIHEAP. Applications are managed at the state level.

  • The state of North Carolina LIHEAP has no specific age requirement for one to be eligible. Priority is however given to households with members who are above 60 years of age.

  • To be eligible for NC LIHEAP program, there are no major health or disability requirements. Households with strained finances due to disability stand higher chances of being accepted into the program.

  • Family status is also not a major requirement, however households with additional members living together increases the financial limits for eligibility.

  • The state of North Carolina mandates an acceptable income range for LIHEAP which is between 110% - 200% of the federal poverty level. 

  • A senior’s veteran status is not a factor in determining eligibility for the LIHEAP program.

  • A household's utility company must participate in the North Carolina LIHEAP program.

  • Applicants should call their utility company to confirm participation and eligibility guidelines.

  • Applicants must submit the following information along with the application form:

  • Recent copies of utility bills

  • Proof of income from Social Security, Payroll, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, disability, etc

  • Proof of present address (e.g., rent receipt, lease or deed, property tax bill)

  • Social Security numbers for all persons living in household and proof of residency such as birth certificates or school records.

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence

  • For Emergency/Crisis assistance, the following additional documents are required:

  • Termination notice from the utility company showing shut-off date

  • Proof of heating emergency

  • A copy of the last bill for deliverable fuels

  • The red tag for furnace repairs or a complete description of the problem

There are several factors that affect the size of grants including the number of people in the household, their income, the type of fuel used, and the size and type of home. The highest amount of assistance is given to those households with the lowest income and highest energy costs, taking into account the number of persons in the household.

The Regular Benefit amount is between $100 and $1,000 a year. The Emergency Benefit amount is between $25 and $300 a year.

Those eligible for the Special Reduced Residential Service Rate Program would benefit from an additional 20% off their electric and/or gas bills. This could save an additional $1,000 a year for a typical household.

The approval process in North Carolina for the Regular Benefit is not more than 30 days. Once approved, payments are dispatched within 15 days after the date of approval.  Emergency Services applications are approved within 48 hours. Visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-energy-assistance-lieap for more eligibility details.