Cumberland County Expands Funding for Help on Heating Costs This Winter
Good news for households struggling with their heating costs this winter, as Cumberland County has announced potential help for low-income households is on the way.
According to a release from the County, The North Carolina Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is open from January 2 through March 31, as long as funds are still available.
Changes to the program opened up funding to lots of different low-income individuals and families. It had previously been open to only priority households with seniors, or disabled individuals living in them.
“Prior to Jan. 2, LIEAP applications were limited to priority households with individuals aged 60 or older and households with a disabled individual receiving services through the N.C. Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAA). The federally funded program provides a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills. Energy benefits will be paid directly to the vendor.”
According to the Cumberland County Department of Social Services, all residents interested in applying for LIEAP can apply online at https://epass.nc.gov.
Additional ways to apply are:
- Fax to 910-677-2885
- Email to [email protected]
- Mail (U.S. Postal Service) to P.O. Box 2429 Fayetteville, NC 28302
- Drop off applications at DSS drop boxes located on the Hillsboro Street side of the building at 1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC
- Households may also apply in person, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Households that include an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe residing in Cumberland County, who wish to apply for LIEAP benefits, must do so through the Lumbee Tribe at lumbeetribe.com/services.
For more information, contact the LIEAP message line at 910-677-2821 or contact DSS at 910-323-1540.