Albemarle EMC wants members to be aware of a government program that offers financial assistance with heating bills. 
The North Carolina Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible households pay their heating bill. The federally funded program is made available through your local Department of Social Services. Members can also contact the NC Division of Social Services – 1-800-662-7030.
“This is a great way for our members enduring financial hardship to get the help they need,” said Clarissa Perry, manager of corporate services for AEMC.
LIEAP  provides a one-time vendor payment to cover a heating bill, Dec. 1 through March 31 each year. Priority is given for households with family members up to five years of age or an elderly person 60 and over, or a person receiving disability benefits. They are eligible to apply between Dec. 1 and Dec. 31, 2021 each year. All households can apply from Jan. 2 through March 31, 2022.
To be eligible for the assistance, a household must have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria. The person must have cash reserves at or below $2,250 and must be responsible for paying their heating costs. If a household is found eligible for assistance through LIEAP, vendor payments will be paid directly to the heating source provider.