Applications now available for help with energy and home water bills

Published on December 02, 2022

Applications now available for LIEAP & LIHWAP.png

Cabarrus County’s Department of Human Services is currently taking applications for programs that provide financial support for energy and water bill payments. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) are federally funded and open to all eligible residents.

During the month of December, LIEAP will provide automatic authorized payments to a priority group that includes households with individuals aged 60 or older, or disabled and receiving DAAS services, and who received a LIEAP payment within the last fiscal year and currently receive Food and Nutrition Services. Eligible households received a notice with information from the households’ 2021-2022 LIEAP application. 

Starting December 1, 2022, households with individuals aged 60 or older or receiving DAAS services that did not receive an automated LIEAP notice will be able to apply via ePASS, over the phone, in person or paper application submitted by mail, fax or drop off at the Cabarrus County Human Services Center. On January 2, 2023, all households can apply for LIEAP.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program 

Households in Cabarrus County can apply for help covering the cost of heating their homes through March 31, 2023.  

LIEAP provides eligible households with a one-time payment to their heating vendor to offset the high cost of heating during the winter 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 an annual income equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty limit, such as:   
    • For a household of one, an income of $16,740 or less
    • For a family of four, an income of $34,452 or less
  • Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts or cash on hand, at or below $2,250   
  • Be responsible for their heating costs 

For more information on the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-energy-assistance-lieap. 

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program 

LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program that helps eligible households and families afford water and wastewater services. The program provides a one-time payment for eligible low-income households directly to the utility company. LIHWAP runs through September 2023, or until the funds run out. 

Households with a current water/wastewater bill can apply for LIHWAP assistance if they meet the eligibility requirements, whether or not their water service has been disconnected. 

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 150% of the federal poverty limit, such as:  
    • For a household of one, an income of $19,320 or less 
    • For a family of four, an income of $39,756 or less
  • Have household services that are disconnected, in jeopardy of disconnection or have a current outstanding bill 
  • Be responsible for the water bill

For more information on this program and eligibility, visit the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program website at www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-household-water-assistance-program-lihwap. 

How to apply 

Individuals can apply for both programs: 

  • Online at https://epass.nc.gov/
  • By printing a paper application from https://epass.nc.gov/ and dropping it off at the Cabarrus County Human Services Center (1303 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis) or the DHS satellite office at the Dream Center (280 Concord Parkway S., Suite 110, Concord), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
  • By printing a paper application from https://epass.nc.gov/ and faxing it to 704-920-1401
  • By requesting a print copy from the Cabarrus County Human Services Center or Dream Center 

For more information on this and other family, aging and transportation programs provided by Cabarrus County Human Services, call 704-920-1400. 

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