Quick Answers
Someone 60+ or disabled (getting DAAS services): apply Dec 1-31 at epass.nc.gov or your county DSS.
Everyone else: apply Jan 1-March 31, or until funds run out. Don't wait until March.
Shut-off notice or no heat: apply for Crisis Intervention now. Applications run July 1-June 30, or until the money is gone.
Older adults on SNAP who got heating help last year: may be paid automatically, with no application, under the state's draft plan.
Warmth for Wake (space heater or firewood): call 919-212-7083, October through March. It does not pay bills.
Duke Energy Share the Light: NCDHHS lists it with the state programs. Ask your county DSS whether it can help with your bill.A heads-up on dates
Last winter the federal money showed up late after the 2025 federal shutdown, so the 60+/disabled window opened Dec 10 and everyone else's opened Jan 2. NCDHHS currently has a notice saying it is watching the effects of the partial federal shutdown. That could move the dates again, so check epass.nc.gov or call your DSS before Dec 1. Gather your papers now so you can apply the day it opens.
Who can apply when
LIEAP is a one-time payment sent to your heating vendor. It is federally funded. NCDHHS says you must:
Be responsible for your heating costs.
Have at least one U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen in the household.
Meet an income test. NCDHHS ties it to the federal poverty level, with a higher cutoff for the 60+/disabled group. We're not printing dollar amounts because the chart changes, so ask when you apply.The state's draft plan for this year lists a heating benefit of $300 to $500. That is a draft, so the final number could differ.
Crisis Intervention (shut-off notice or no heat)
Crisis Intervention is for a heating or cooling emergency that is life-threatening or health-related. NCDHHS counts that as no heating or cooling source, or a disconnect notice for your main service. Income is capped at 150% of the federal poverty level. Resources must be at or below $4,500 if someone is 60+ or disabled, or $3,000 for everyone else. The state's draft plan sets a limit of $600 per household per year.
You can apply by mail, email, fax or drop-off at your local DSS, or on ePASS. NCDHHS says a face-to-face interview is not required at this time. Crisis money can run out, so call and ask what's available.
Wake County
Regular LIEAP: starts Jan 1-March 31, with early December applications for 60+ or disabled households getting DAAS services. Wake says LIEAP is not a crisis program and payments take about 60 days to reach your vendor. Wake also says applications can't be processed until a formal interview with a case manager is done. You don't need a past-due bill.
Crisis heating: Wake says it's generally available October through April, depending on funding and temperatures. It covers electric, natural gas, LP gas, kerosene and wood.
Where: epass.nc.gov, or paper forms (English and Spanish) on Wake's page. Mail, fax, email or drop off at a Health & Human Services location.
Contact: 919-212-7000, SS.Energy@wake.gov, fax 919-212-7085. Mail: WCHHS - ENERGY Program, P.O. Box 46833, Raleigh, NC 27620-6833.Durham County
LIEAP: an early December period for 60+ or disabled households getting DAAS services, then January through March for anyone who meets the income guidelines. No past-due bill needed.
Where: epass.nc.gov, or drop off at the Durham County Human Services Building, 414 E Main Street, 2nd Floor, Lobby 27, Durham.
Contact: energy programs 919-560-8000, LIEAP specialist 919-560-8192, fax 919-560-8120. Mail: Durham County DSS, AAS - Crisis Services-ENERGY Program, P.O. Box 810, Durham, NC 27701.Orange County
LIEAP: Dec 1-31 for 60+ or disabled households getting DAAS services, Jan 1-March 31 for any household, both until funds run out.
Orange's page says your reserves must be at or below $2,250, on top of the income test.
Crisis: Orange also offers Crisis Intervention.
Contact: visit or call any Orange County DSS location, 919-732-8181. Mail: 300 West Tryon Street, P.O. Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278.Other help
Warmth for Wake: Wake County, October through March. One space heater per household if you have no other heat source, and up to two cords of firewood by appointment. Call 919-212-7083. For firewood, email warmthforwake@wake.gov with your name, address and phone.
Weatherization: in Wake, Resources for Seniors runs it. Wake says that if you meet income guidelines, you may qualify for free help. Call 919-713-1570.
Duke Energy Share the Light Fund: NCDHHS lists it next to LIEAP and Crisis Intervention. Ask your county DSS whether it applies to you.
Water bills: Wake lists limited City of Raleigh Utility Assistance Program (UCAP) funding, depending on your town. Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon, Rolesville and Wake Forest are named.Bundling up kids? See our free winter coats guide. Planning for the holidays? Our holiday assistance and toy programs guide has dates. For everything else, start with free and low-cost family resources, or dial 211.
What to gather before you apply
ID.
Proof of your address.
Proof of citizenship or alien status.
Social Security numbers.
Income documents.
Your heating bills.Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a past-due bill for LIEAP?
Not in Wake or Durham. Wake says LIEAP can even create a credit on your account. A past-due bill or shut-off notice is what Crisis Intervention is for.
How fast does LIEAP pay?
Wake says about 60 days to reach your vendor, and says it's not a crisis program. If you're about to lose service, ask for Crisis Intervention.
Can I apply online?
Yes. NCDHHS, Wake, Durham and Orange all point to epass.nc.gov, or you can go through your county DSS.
What if the dates move again?
They did last year. Check epass.nc.gov or call your DSS before Dec 1.
