The LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIEAP) will be available December 1, 2017. LIEAP is a Federally-funded program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.

Application dates:

• December 1 – March 31, 2017 or until funds are exhausted — Households with individuals age 60 and above or a disabled adult receiving service through the Division of Aging and Adult Services will be eligible to apply.

• January 1, 2018 – March 31, 2018 or until funds are exhausted – All other households

A household that applies:

• Must meet income test

• Must be responsible for the heating bill (bring/send statement or provide a number to reach account holder to verify that household must pay bill if utility not in applicant’s name)

• Cannot have more than $2250 in resources (total of all household members resources ie: bank and savings accounts)

• At least one household member must be a US citizen or eligible alien.

• Priority given to person ages 60 and above and disabled persons receiving DAAS Services in the month of December

If determined eligible, the payments are made directly to the service provider.

Applications are taken Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at  Polk County Consolidated Human Services – Economic Services Division, 231 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring, NC  28756

December 5 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at The Meeting Place 2-Green Creek, 25 Shield Dr., Green Creek, NC 28722

December 6 from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at The Meeting Place , 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus, NC 28722

December 13 – December 14 from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Highwood Apartments, 15 Pinetree Lane, Columbus, NC 28722

You do not need to come into one of the locations to apply: You may call 828-894-6627 and request an application to be mailed to your home.  Paper applications will also be available at the Polk County Consolidated Human Services – Transportation Office/Vehicles, Polk Health Center, the Meeting Place, Ashley Meadows, and Highwood Apartments.

For additional information about the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, contact Polk County Consolidated Human Services – Economic Services Division at 828-894-2100.

– submitted by

Calan Halford