Tag Archive for: #lowincomeenergyassistanceprogram

Warren Residents Can Apply For Help Paying Heating Bills

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Eligible Warren County residents can apply to get help with heating bills again this winter from a state assistance program. Applicants who received a payment last year are automatically entered into this year’s round of disbursements, according to information from the Warren County manager’s office.

Families that applied for and received a one-time payment from the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) to help with heating costs last year don’t have to re-apply for the same help this year – those recipients should receive notices this month which asks for any relevant changes to the household. Changes may be submitted to the local Department of Social Services, but if everything is the same as last year, no action is required, Duncan noted.

The recipient will be informed that an automated LIEAP payment has been made, according to was given to them.

Households not included in the target population will be able to apply following the regular LIEAP application policy that runs from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, and is designated for disabled individuals who receive services through the

Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) OR for households with a person age 60 and above.

These households are eligible in the month of December or until funds are exhausted. Applications for general public will be taken from January 1, 2023 through March 31 or until funds are used up.

Applicants must provide certain information to determine eligibility, including a photo ID and household financial information. Find the complete list of documents at wizs.com.

Please bring the following information to determine eligibility:

 

  • Photo Identification
  • Mail or document showing current address (rental agreement, utility bill, etc.)
  • Information about your household’s income. If anyone works, bring wage stubs for the month prior to the month you visit the agency. Bring letter from Social Security Administration to confirm benefits or a statement that shows direct deposit.
  • Recent statement for savings or checking accounts.
  • Name, date of birth & social security card or numbers for each household member.
  • A bill from your primary source of heat (used the MOST, to heat your home). Households that heat with wood/kerosene, will not have a bill to submit. Heating source bill-If the bill is not in applicant’s name, the applicant must provide a written statement from the person whose name the bill is in (must be 18 & older), stating that the applicant is responsible for payment of the heating expense.

 

 

If you or someone you know is not physically able to come to the agency to apply, that person may provide a trusted individual (representative) with a written statement authorizing that representative to apply for LIEAP on their behalf. A contact number for the applicant must be provided and all necessary documentation must be provided.

The program is being administered by Warren County DSS, located at 307 N. Main Street

Warrenton, NC 27589.

Call the Warren County DSS office at 252.257.5000 to learn more.

DSS Offers Help To Eligible Households With Heating, Water Bills

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The Granville County Department of Social Services is offering a couple of assistance programs to help residents who face challenges paying utility bills. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) are both available through DSS to provide one-time payments for electric and/or gas heating bills or for water/wastewater utility services.

Some Granville County households may qualify for LIEAP assistance with their heating bill during the winter. Depending on the heat source, eligible households may receive $300, $400, or $500 toward their heating bill through the program. Applications are being taken now through March 31, or until the funds are gone.

To apply for assistance, residents must provide the following information:

  • Valid identification
  • Social security numbers for everyone in the home
  • Proof of income for the month prior to the application
  • A heating bill that indicates the account number

If approved, payments will be made directly to the heating provider.

If applying for someone else, applicants should provide a signed permission statement from the person they are representing.

The LIHWAP program helps eligible households and families afford water and wastewater services, providing a one-time payment for eligible low-income households paid directly to the utility company. Applications are being taken now through September 2023 or until the funds run out.

LIHWAP was created in December 2021 after North Carolina was awarded more than $38 million in federal funds to establish a new water assistance program for households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To be eligible for LIHWAP, a household must have at least one U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen and:

  • have income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level
  • have household services that are disconnected, in jeopardy of disconnection or have a current outstanding bill
  • be responsible for the water bill

Apply online at https://epass.nc.gov/. Apply by phone at 919.693.1511, or mail, fax or drop off the completed application. The fax number is 919.693.5090. The Granville DSS office is located at 410 W. Spring. St, Oxford, NC 27565.