Fayetteville, NC — As of December 5, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is officially open for households in the priority group. A brief delay followed the state’s receipt of federal funding on December 1, but eligible seniors and disability-connected households can now begin submitting applications for the 2025–2026 heating season.
Priority Application Window: Now Through December 31
Households eligible to apply during the priority period include:
• Those with at least one household member age 60 or older
• Those with a household member receiving disability benefits and services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services
Priority households may apply in person at Cumberland County DSS on Ramsey Street or through the NCDHHS ePASS online system.
Application Window for All Other Households
Eligible non-priority households may apply from January 1 throug
h March 31, or until available LIEAP funds are exhausted. Residents are encouraged to apply early, as funding is limited each season.
What LIEAP Provides
LIEAP offers a one-time payment made directly to a household’s heating provider. This benefit is designed to reduce winter heating costs but does not cover electricity or utilities year-round.
Auto-Renewal Households
Some households automatically received their heating benefit on December 1.
• Payments were sent directly to the listed energy provider
• Notification letters were mailed throughout November
• These households do not need to reapply this year
Documents Requ
ired to Apply
Applicants should be prepared with:
• A valid ID
• Proof of income
• Proof of residency
• Their most recent heating bill
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted at:
Cumberland County Department of Social Services
1225 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Residents may also apply online through the NCDHHS ePASS portal during their eligible application period.
For additional details or updates, visit the Cumberland County Government website or contact DSS directly.
Kres Thomas, FayToday News
