North Carolina's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible households pay their heating bills through a one-time vendor payment each winter. For the 2026 program year, North Carolina distributed approximately $45 million to over 131,000 households, and applications for the next cycle open in December for seniors and people with disabilities, and in January for all other eligible households. If you heat your home and your income falls below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify.
What Is LIEAP in North Carolina?
LIEAP is North Carolina's name for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The state receives federal funding each year and distributes it through local county Departments of Social Services (DSS). Benefits go directly to your heating utility or fuel vendor, not to you personally, which helps ensure the money is used for energy costs.
The program covers heating costs only. If you need help with cooling or summer electricity bills, North Carolina runs a separate Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) during summer months.
North Carolina LIEAP Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for LIEAP in North Carolina, your household must meet all of the following criteria:
- At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- Your household income must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (or 150% FPL if any member is age 60 or older or has a disability)
- Your household must be responsible for paying its heating costs, either directly or included in your rent
There is no asset limit for LIEAP in North Carolina. Homeowners and renters both qualify as long as they meet the income and residency requirements.
Who Gets Priority
Certain households receive priority processing and may be enrolled automatically without submitting a separate application. You may receive automatic benefits if you meet all three of these conditions:
- At least one household member is age 60 or older, or receives disability services through NC Division of Aging and Adult Services
- Your household currently receives SNAP (Food and Nutrition Services) benefits
- Your household received LIEAP benefits the previous year
If you qualify for automatic enrollment, NCDHHS notifies you directly. You do not need to apply.
Income Limits for North Carolina LIEAP 2026
Income eligibility is based on gross household income, meaning income before taxes and deductions. The table below shows the monthly and annual income limits for the 2026 program year.
130% FPL Income Limits (General Households)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $19,578 | $1,632 |
| 2 | $26,572 | $2,214 |
| 3 | $33,566 | $2,797 |
| 4 | $40,560 | $3,380 |
| 5 | $47,554 | $3,963 |
| 6 | $54,548 | $4,546 |
| 7 | $61,542 | $5,129 |
| 8 | $68,536 | $5,711 |
For each additional household member beyond 8, add approximately $6,994 annually.
150% FPL Income Limits (Households with Members Age 60+ or with Disabilities)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $22,590 | $1,883 |
| 2 | $30,660 | $2,555 |
| 3 | $38,730 | $3,228 |
| 4 | $46,800 | $3,900 |
| 5 | $54,870 | $4,573 |
| 6 | $62,940 | $5,245 |
| 7 | $71,010 | $5,918 |
| 8 | $79,080 | $6,590 |
For each additional household member beyond 8, add approximately $8,070 annually.
What Counts as Income
LIEAP counts all gross income before taxes and deductions from all household members. This includes:
- Wages and salaries
- Self-employment income
- Social Security and SSI benefits
- Disability payments
- Pension and retirement income
- Unemployment compensation
- Child support and alimony received
- Veterans benefits
- Any other regular income sources
How Much Can You Receive?
LIEAP provides a one-time vendor payment for the heating season. Benefit amounts for the 2026 program year are set by the state and vary based on household size and income level. In recent years, heating benefits have generally ranged from $300 to $500 per household, with crisis assistance reaching up to $600.
The payment goes directly to your heating utility company or fuel vendor. You will receive a notice confirming the payment amount and which vendor received it.
Application Dates for the 2026 Cycle
North Carolina runs LIEAP on a fixed calendar each year:
| Application Period | Who Can Apply |
|---|
| December 1 to December 31 | Households with a member age 60 or older, or persons with disabilities receiving services through NC DAAS |
| January 2 to March 31 | All other eligible households |
Applications are accepted until funds are exhausted. If you qualify, apply as early as possible during your eligible window, as funding is limited and the program closes early in some years.
How to Apply for North Carolina LIEAP
There are three ways to apply:
Option 1: Apply Online
The fastest way to apply is through NC DHHS ePASS, North Carolina's online benefits portal.
- Go to epass.nc.gov
- Create an account or log in if you already have one
- Select "Apply for Benefits" and choose LIEAP
- Complete the application with your household and income information
- Upload or submit required documents
- Submit and save your confirmation number
Option 2: Apply at Your Local County DSS
Every county in North Carolina has a Department of Social Services office that processes LIEAP applications. To apply in person:
- Find your county DSS office using the NC DHHS county directory
- Bring all required documents (see list below)
- Complete a paper application with a caseworker
- Request a receipt or confirmation of your application date
Option 3: Apply by Phone
Call your local county DSS office directly to ask about phone application options. Some counties allow phone interviews and mail-in document submission. The NC Division of Social Services general line is 1-800-662-7030.
Documents You Will Need
Gather these documents before you apply to avoid delays:
- Identification: State-issued ID, driver's license, or passport for all adult household members
- Proof of residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, or other document showing your current address in North Carolina
- Social Security numbers: For all household members
- Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents for all household members
- Proof of income: Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), Social Security award letters, benefit statements, tax forms, or written statement for self-employment income
- Heating bill or account information: Your utility account number and the name of your heating provider or fuel company
- Proof of age or disability: If applying during the December priority period, documentation of age 60+ or disability status
If any household member has no income, you may need to provide a written statement confirming this.
What Happens After You Apply
After submitting your application, your county DSS office reviews your documents and determines eligibility. Processing times vary by county and application volume. If approved, the benefit payment goes directly to your heating vendor, and you receive a written notice with the payment amount.
If you are denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The denial notice will include instructions for requesting a fair hearing. You must request a hearing within the timeframe stated in your denial letter.
LIEAP and Other Benefits
Receiving LIEAP does not affect your eligibility for other programs. If you already receive SNAP, Medicaid, or other assistance, LIEAP will not reduce those benefits. In fact, many households receive multiple programs simultaneously.
Households that receive SNAP and also include a member age 60 or older may qualify for automatic LIEAP enrollment, meaning you will not need to submit a separate application.
To check whether you may qualify for multiple programs at once, use the free eligibility screener at benefitsusa.org/screener. It checks over 11 programs based on your household details and takes about five minutes.
County-Level Resources
LIEAP is administered locally, so contact information and office hours vary by county. Some of the largest county DSS offices and their contact information:
- Mecklenburg County (Charlotte): Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services, 704-432-1111
- Wake County (Raleigh): Wake County Human Services, 919-212-7000
- Guilford County (Greensboro/High Point): Guilford County DSS, 336-641-3000
- Durham County: Durham County DSS, 919-560-8000
- Forsyth County (Winston-Salem): Forsyth County DSS, 336-703-3000
For a complete list of all 100 county DSS offices in North Carolina, visit the NC DHHS county directory.
North Carolina LIEAP vs. Other Energy Assistance Programs
LIEAP is not the only energy help available to North Carolina residents. Here is a comparison of the main programs:
| Program | What It Covers | Who Administers It |
|---|
| LIEAP | Heating bills (winter) | NC DHHS, county DSS offices |
| Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) | Emergency energy costs, cooling | NC DHHS, county DSS offices |
| Duke Energy Helping Home Fund | Utility bill assistance for Duke customers | Duke Energy, local nonprofits |
| Dominion Energy Share | Utility assistance for Dominion customers | Dominion Energy |
| USDA Rural Energy Program | Rural households, weatherization | USDA Rural Development |
If you do not qualify for LIEAP or need additional help, contact your utility company directly to ask about budget billing, payment arrangements, or their own assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LIEAP in North Carolina?
LIEAP stands for Low Income Energy Assistance Program. It is North Carolina's implementation of the federal LIHEAP program, providing a one-time heating assistance payment each winter to eligible low-income households. The payment goes directly to your heating utility or fuel vendor.
What are the income limits for NC LIEAP in 2026?
For most households, the income limit is 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. For households with a member who is 60 or older or has a disability, the limit is 150% FPL. At 130% FPL, a family of four can earn up to approximately $40,560 per year. At 150% FPL, a family of four can earn up to approximately $46,800 per year.
When can I apply for LIEAP in North Carolina?
If your household includes someone age 60 or older, or a person with a disability receiving services through NC Division of Aging and Adult Services, you can apply beginning December 1. All other eligible households may apply starting January 2. Both groups can apply through March 31 or until funds run out.
Can renters apply for LIEAP?
Yes. Both homeowners and renters can apply. Renters qualify if they pay their heating costs separately or if heat is included in rent and they share in the heating cost. You do not need to own your home to receive assistance.
Does LIEAP affect my SNAP or Medicaid benefits?
No. Receiving LIEAP does not reduce your SNAP, Medicaid, or any other benefits. These programs operate independently and LIEAP approval has no impact on your eligibility for other assistance.
How much money will I receive from LIEAP?
Benefit amounts are determined by the state based on household size and income. In recent years, payments have typically ranged from $300 to $500 per household. The exact amount for your household depends on your specific circumstances. The payment goes to your heating vendor, not to you directly.
What if I was denied LIEAP?
If you are denied, you can appeal the decision by requesting a fair hearing. Instructions for how to request a hearing will be included in your denial notice. You must request the hearing within the deadline stated in the letter, so read the notice carefully and act promptly if you want to appeal.
Can I apply for LIEAP online?
Yes. North Carolina offers online applications through ePASS at epass.nc.gov. You can create an account, complete the application, and upload documents all online. If you prefer, you can also apply in person at your county DSS office or call your county office to ask about phone application options.
What if I do not have a heating bill because heat is included in my rent?
You may still qualify. If heat is included in your rent and you contribute to heating costs as part of your rental payments, you can apply. Your landlord's information and your lease may be used as documentation. Check with your county DSS office for guidance specific to your situation.
For more information on North Carolina benefits programs, visit the North Carolina benefits page or use the free benefits screener to check eligibility across all programs at once.
