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Energy Assistance Programs

We offer programs to help eligible low-income households with their immediate energy needs.

Contact Us: 704-336-3000

Do you need help paying your heating or cooling bills? We offer programs to help eligible low-income households with their immediate energy needs.

Assistance Programs

  • Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)

    DCR-energy-LIEAP

    ​​​​​The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is a year-round program that assists individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis, a life threatening or health related emergency, and have a final notice or past due utility bill. Residents must meet the income guidelines, be responsible for the bill, provide their account number and show proof of income. Assistance is available year-round or until funds run out. 

  • Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

    DCR-energy-CIP

    The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federal program available December through March that assists households with their home heating needs, so they won't have to choose between heating their homes and paying for other basic needs. You do not have to be at risk of disconnection or delinquent to take advantage of this one-time, direct vendor payment in the amount of $300, $400, or $500. Residents must meet the income guidelines, be responsible for the bill, provide their account number and show proof of income.

    December is application priority month for residents age 60 or older, or disabled and receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services. All other households can apply beginning Jan. 1. The last day to apply is March 31.

    Please Note: Anyone who received LIEAP last year probably received an extra payment of $287.64 in late 2023 on their heating account. That is not a payment for this season, so you can still apply now for additional assistance.

Does My Household Qualify?

Crisis Intervention Program

  • At least one U.S. citizen or legal resident in the household.

  • Income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Level (See annual income guidelines below).

  • Responsible for energy bills.

  • Household must be in a heating or cooling related emergency.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program

  • At least one U.S. citizen or legal resident in the household.

  • Income must be at or below the following Federal Poverty Levels. (See annual income guidelines below).

    • 130%  (Individuals under age 60)

    • 150% (Individuals age 60 or over) 

  • Responsible for heating bills.

  • You DO NOT have to be behind on your heating bill for assistance. ​

Annual Income Guidelines

CIP Income Guidelines
Household SizeMax. Income 150%
1$1,823
2$2,465
3$3,108
4$3,750
5$4,393
6$5,035
7$5,678
8$6,320
9$6,963
10$7,605
11$8,248
12$8,890
13$9,533

 

LIEAP Income Guidelines
Household SizeMax. Income 130% (Under age 60)Max. Income 150% (Age 60 or Over)
1$1,580$1,823
2$2,136$2,465
3$2,693$3,108
4$3,250$3,750
5$3,807$4,393
6$4,364$5,035
7$4,921$5,678
8$5,477$6,320
9$6,034$6,963
10$6,591$7,605
11$7,148$8,248
12$7,705$8,890
13$8,262$9,533

 

Apply in English

Download and complete the application.

Aplicar en español

Descarga y completa la solicitud en español.

Submitting the Application

Applications can be submitted one of several ways:

Submit your required documents through All Access.