Energy Programs / CIP and LIEAP
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) APPLICATION
Low Income Energy Assistance Applications are only accepted during certain months. See Criteria below:
The following is the priority group that can apply for benefits for LIEAP from December 1 through December 31:
- Households containing an elderly person age 60 and above, or
- Households containing persons with disabilities that receives services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS). Disabled persons are defined as receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Administration (SSA), or Veterans Administration (VA) disability.
Any household can potentially receive benefits from January 1 through March 31 or until funds are exhausted, if all eligibility requirements are met. If December 1 or January 1 falls on a weekend or holiday, resort to the first working day of the month. If March 31 falls on a weekend or holiday, resort to the last working day of the month.
How to Apply for LIEAP:
- Call DSS at 828-287-1248 and request an application be taken over the phone with a telephonic signature (you may have to leave a message)
- Complete the online application (see link below, print, and SIGN the application, then Email the SIGNED application to: Energy@rutherfordcountync.gov
- Complete the online application (see link below), print, and SIGN the application, then Mail SIGNED application to: Rutherford County DSS, PO Box 242, Rutherfordton, NC 28160
- Complete the online application (see link below), print, and SIGN the application, then Fax the SIGNED application to 828-288-3471.
NOTE - LIEAP has a reserve limit of $2,250 or less.
No. Eligible in Household |
Maximum Countable Income |
No. Eligible in Household |
Maximum Countable Income |
1 | 1,472 | 14 | 8,120 |
2 | 1,984 | 15 | 8,631 |
3 | 2,495 | 16 | 9,142 |
4 | 3,006 | 17 | 9,654 |
5 | 3,518 | 18 | 10,165 |
6 | 4,029 | 19 | 10,676 |
7 | 4,540 | 20 | 11,188 |
8 | 5,052 | 21 | 11,699 |
9 | 5,563 | 22 | 12,210 |
10 | 6,074 | 23 | 12,722 |
11 | 6,586 | 24 | 13,233 |
12 | 7,097 | 25 | 13,744 |
13 | 7,608 | 26 | 14,256 |
LIEAP Application
Complete and submit an online application via E-pass by clicking www.epass.nc.gov and follow the prompts.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) APPLICATION
Applications are taken July 1 of each year thru June 30 of the following year or until funds are exhausted.
The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) assists individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis. A household is in a crisis if it is currently experiencing or is in danger of experiencing a life-threatening or health-related emergency and sufficient, timely, and appropriate assistance is not available from any other source. Life-threatening is defined as a household which has no heating or cooling source, or has a disconnect, final, or past due notice for their primary heating or cooling service and the health or well-being of a household member would be in danger if the heating or cooling crisis was not alleviated. Each household should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if there is a heating or cooling crisis.
How to Apply for CIP:
- Call DSS at 828-287-1248 and request an application be taken over the phone with a telephonic signature (you may have to leave a message).
- Complete the online application (see link below), print, and SIGN the application, then Email the SIGNED application to: Energy@rutherfordcountync.gov.
- Complete the online application (see link below), print, and SIGN the application, then Mail the SIGNED application to: Rutherford County DSS, PO Box 242, Rutherfordton, NC 28160
- Complete the online application (see link below), print, and SIGN the application, then Fax the SIGNED application to 828-288-3471.
No. Eligible In Household |
Maximum Countable |
No. Eligible in Household |
Maximum Countable Income |
1 | $1,699 | 14 | $9,369 |
2 | $2,289 | 15 | $9,959 |
3 | $2,879 | 16 | $10,549 |
4 | $3,469 | 17 | $11,139 |
5 | $4,059 | 18 | $11,729 |
6 | $4,649 | 19 | $12,319 |
7 | $5,239 | 20 | $12,909 |
8 | $5,829 | 21 | $13,499 |
9 | $6,419 | 22 | $14,089 |
10 | $7,009 | 23 | $14,679 |
11 | $7,599 | 24 | $15,269 |
12 | $8,189 | 25 | $15,859 |
13 | $8,799 | 26 | $16,449 |
CIP Application
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Information
For more information contact Tammy Carter at 828-287-6268 or email Tammy.Carter@rutherfordcountync.gov