Durham County

DURHAM -- Residents who need help paying their heating bills are invited to apply for Durham County's Low Income Energy Assistance Program, a federally funded program that provides one-time cash payment to help eligible families pay their heating bills.

The payment is usually received in February. The program is now accepting applications for the help at the Durham County Department of Social Services, 300 N. Duke St. Application deadline is Nov. 13.

Telephone applications will be taken for disabled clients.

A household that applies for the program payment must:

- Have at least one United States citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.

- Meet an income test.

- Have assets at or below $2,200.

- Be responsible for its heating bills.

Most current recipients of Food and Nutrition Assistance -- food stamps -- will have applications for LIEAP automatically submitted. Therefore, this group does not need visit DSS to apply. Residents who receive food stamps and received a letter denying LIEAP eligibility are encouraged to visit DSS to apply for the LIEAP assistance. Residents with an income below 110 percent of the Federal Poverty Level are encouraged to apply by coming to the agency to complete an application.

Disabled clients may apply at (919) 560-8356. For more information about the program, call (919) 560-8600.