RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has received federal funding for the 2026 Low Income Home and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), clearing the way for eligible residents to apply for winter heating support.
The distribution of funds was temporarily delayed due to a federal government shutdown. However, state officials say preparations were already in place so the program could open as soon as funding was approved.
Beginning December 10, 2025, North Carolinians who did not receive an auto-renewal notice for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) may begin submitting applications. LIEAP and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) are both supported through LIHEAP block grant funding.
“As the weather turns colder, heating and energy assistance is critical to help more than 130,000 households stay warm through the winter months,” said Michael Leighs, NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being. “I am grateful to our team and our county and local partners who have worked diligently to ensure people who need assistance can receive it as quickly as possible.”
LIEAP offers eligible low-income households a one-time payment sent directly to their heating provider to help manage rising winter energy costs.
Automatic payments were issued at the end of November for households that met the following criteria:
- Include a resident age 60 or older or a person with a disability receiving services through the NCDHHS Division of Aging
- Currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP)
- Received LIEAP assistance during the 2024–2025 season
Households that qualified for automatic payment were notified in November and do not need to reapply.
Those who did not receive a notice but meet the age or disability criteria may apply starting December 10 at epass.nc.gov. Applications can also be submitted through county departments of social services by phone, in person, or via mailed, faxed, or dropped-off paper forms.
To qualify for assistance, households must:
- Include at least one U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- Be responsible for their heating costs
Beginning January 2, 2026, all other eligible households may apply. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2026, or until all funds are distributed.
Last year, LIHEAP assistance provided about $45 million to help more than 131,000 households manage heating bills during the winter months.
More information about eligibility and services can be found on the NCDHHS website.
