Eligibility criteria

Eligibility for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program is based on income, family size, and amount of savings.

n A qualifying family of four can have a monthly gross income of up to $2,022 and should have savings of less than $2,200.

n To apply, residents should bring check stubs or verification of income received during October 2009.

n Social Security numbers for each person in the home listed on the application should be brought submitted.

n Recipients of the Federal Food and Nutrition Program, formerly Food Stamps, are automatically screened for eligibility.

From staff reports

HILLSBOROUGH -- The Orange County Department of Social Services is taking applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program at its offices at 300 W. Tryon St. in Hillsborough, and 2501 Homestead Road in Chapel Hill.

Nancy Coston, Social Services Department director, said "we are seeing more families struggle to make ends meet. Heating and other utility costs will be high this winter, and low-income families will struggle more than most."

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) gives families a one-time cash payment to help pay their heating bills.

Applications are taken for a limited time period during November of each year -- until Nov. 13 this year. Eligible households receive a check in the mail in early February.

The funds received should be used for home heating costs.

In addition to the LIEAP Program, the agency also runs the county's Emergency Assistance Program.

This program can help pay past due heating, cooling and water bills to keep a resident's utilities from being turned off.

It can also help with past due rent payments and necessary medications for the uninsured.

Anyone interested in making a monetary donation can bring it to either of the Department of Social Services locations or mail it to the agency at P.O. Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Specify that donations are for the energy and crisis assistance programs.

All donations to the Orange County Department of Social Services are tax deductible.