CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As temperatures start to fall in the Charlotte area, there is a program in Mecklenburg County that helps people afford rising heating bills.
“We don’t want anyone to have to choose between basic needs or heating their home," Devon Kilpatrick with Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services said.
Starting Thursday, qualifying Mecklenburg County residents can apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIEAP. The program gives federal money to qualifying individuals to help pay their energy bills.
Residents who qualify for LIEAP could receive a one-time payment of hundreds of dollars depending on their needs. LIEAP is available from December through March. The program prevents qualifying people from facing disconnection of their heating service with payment amounts of $300, $400 or $500.
While December applications will be reserved for residents age 60 and older, or for those of any age who are disabled and receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services, all households will be eligible to apply beginning January through March 31.
According to a recent report by LendingTree, 32% of adults have paid a bill late in the past six months. Of those surveyed, 61% said it was because they didn't have the money to pay for it.
To save money on your heating bill, experts recommend you set the thermostat as low as comfortable and ensure your air filter is clean. A clogged and dirty filter causes the heating system to use more power to produce heat.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
LIEAP household qualifying criteria
- One U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Income below 130% of federal poverty level (click here for more details)
- Has responsibility for energy bills
- You do not have to be behind on your power or natural gas bill to quality for assistance
How to apply for energy assistance
Mecklenburg County residents have several options for applying for energy assistance.
- Visiting Mecklenburg County's All ACCESS POINT
- Apply online
- Calling the DSS Call Center at 704-336-3000 for a phone application
- Download the energy application and submit it by USPS mail
- Applying at two Charlotte DSS locations: 301 Billingsley Road, which is also serviced by CATS Bus Routes 15, 39, 61x, and 62x; or The Community Resource Center at 3205 Freedom Drive, which is serviced by CATS Bus Routes 2, 8, 34, and 235.
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