An application period for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) opened Monday, Dec. 2 and will run through Jan. 31, 2014 or until funds are exhausted for individuals age 60 and above.

The funds can also be made available for adults younger than 60 who receive assistance through the Division of Aging and Adult Services. These federal funds provide a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay heating bills.

A household that applies must have at least on U.S. citizen or non-citizen that meets the eligibility requirements with income at or below 130 percent of the poverty level. The residence must also have reserves at or below $2,200 and be responsible for the heating bills (power, gas, oil, wood, etc.) of that home.

If approved, payments are made for the household directly to the provider of the heating service. The program served 173 residents of Polk County last year.

Applications will be taken Monday- Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Polk County Department of Social Services (DSS). The DSS office is located at 231 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring, NC 28756.

For more information, call DSS at 828-894-2100.

– information submitted

by Lou Parton