Households in Wayne County containing a person aged 60 or more, or someone receiving disability benefits and services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services can apply for help covering the cost of heating their homes now through Friday, December 30, 2022.

All other households can apply from Monday, January 2nd through Tuesday, March 31st, or until funds are exhausted.

The federally funded Low-income Energy Assistance Program provides eligible households with a one-time payment to their heating vendor to offset the high cost of heating during the cold-weather months. Depending on the household’s primary heating source, the payment will be $300, $400, or $500.

To be eligible, a person must:

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

• Have income equal to or less than 130 percent of the federal poverty limit, such as:

• Have resources such as saving and checking accounts, cash on hand, at or below $2,250.

• Be responsible for their heating cost

Wayne County households who want to apply for energy assistance can do so in person at Wayne County Department of Social Services on 100 S. James Street. Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Applications are available for pick up at this location and on the county website waynegov.com.

.