Program helps Dare residents with energy costs

This is the time of the year where Dare County residents begin to prepare for the cold winter months that are approaching. Much work is done to prepare our homes for winter and thermostats are turned up. Winter heating bills can be an overwhelming cost to many families. Fortunately, help is available to those who meet eligibility requirements.
 
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. This federally-funded program provides a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.
 
Households with an elderly person age 60 and above or a disabled person receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to receive benefits from Dec. 1 through March 31 or until funds are exhausted. Any household can potentially receive benefits from Jan. 1 through March 31 or until funds are exhausted.
 
A household that applies must:

Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria

Be income eligible

Have reserves at or below $2,200

Be responsible for its heating bills

Individuals who are interested in applying for assistance can visit the Department of Health & Human Services’ Social Services campus in Manteo, located at 107 Exeter St., or the Department of Health & Human Services’ Social Services campus in Frisco, located at 50347  Highway 12.
 
Applicants should bring the following to complete the application process:

Identity Card- driver’s license or ID card

Proof of Address- a lease, rental agreement, or any other shelter expenses

Proof of Citizenship/Alien Status- verification of citizenship/alien status via Immigration and Naturalization Service

Social Security Number- a valid card or number

Earned Income- wage stubs or tax forms

Unearned Income- documents from providers or award letters regarding public benefits, private retirement benefits, or trust benefits

Assets and Resources- ownership records, tax records, bank documents, or court documents

Heating Expense- copy of bills

Energy Assistance is important to all that receive it, but more so if someone in your home may especially be at risk for a life-threatening illness or death if their home is too cold in the winter. For more information on the LIEAP program, please contact the Department of Health & Human Services at 252-475-5500.