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The Cumberland County Department of Social Services will begin accepting applications for the North Carolina Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) on Dec. 2. The program helps qualified families with their heating costs. Applications for Cumberland County residents will be taken at the Department of Social Services, 1225 Ramsey St., from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

During December, only households with a person aged 60 and older or disabled persons receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible for LIEAP. These priority applications will be accepted through Dec. 31, or until funds are exhausted. Other households may apply from Jan. 2 through March 31, or until funds are exhausted. Households with Native Americans age 18 or older must apply through the Lumbee Tribe at www.lumbeetribe.com.

The federally-funded program provides a one-time vendor payment directly to the utility company to help eligible households pay their heating bills during cold-weather months. Household income must not exceed 130 % of the poverty level. All households must apply for LIEAP; there are no automatic approvals.

In order to determine eligibility, the following verifications must be provided:

·         Identification of head of household

·         Social Security number for all household members

·         Copy of heating bill

·         Gross income received in prior month

·         Childcare expenses and legal support obligations paid in the prior month

Seniors age 60 and older and disabled adults may apply at an outreach event Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the DSS building, 1225 Ramsey St. There will be other opportunities for the elderly and disabled to apply for LIEAP at several locations in December. Call 910-677-2821 for information.