What is the current status of this funding?
LIHEAP funding was temporarily paused in late 2025 due to a federal government shutdown and associated funding delays, but funds were released in December 2025, and programs are now accepting applications.
What does this funding get me?
This is a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills. This money does not go directly to individual folks but instead goes to their energy provider.
Am I eligible?
Individual homeowners and renters are eligible. If you are a renter and your energy bill is included in your rent, you must have access to an itemized monthly bill.
Households are expected to report on and meet eligibility requirements:
- ID
- rental agreement
- citizenship status
- SSN
- proof of income(s)
- tax records
- energy bills
External eligibility tool: https://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/eligibility-tool
How can I access the money?
North Carolina:
For North Carolina residents, households may apply now through March 31, or until funds are exhausted.
The application process is county-based through the Department of Social Services. To find your local office, input your state and county here:
Contact Directory for NC Social Services Departments
Having trouble finding the application? Please email us at info@energyfundsforall.org with the subject line “LIHEAP – (Your County)” and we can help!
South Carolina:
LIHEAP in SC is administered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity in coordination with the community action agencies. For general information, contact the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity at 803-734-0662.
See map here to find Community Action Agencies for all counties within South Carolina.
In South Carolina, eligible households may receive up to 2 LIHEAP services during the calendar year and receive a payment up to $1,500 per service to offset the household’s energy costs. Renters and homeowners may apply for assistance at the local Community Action agency serving the county in which they live. The energy bill must be in a household member’s name.
What is the timeline?
You can apply from December 1 to March 31 each year. You can access this money one time per program year.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
- Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program (HEAR)
- Home Energy Rebates (HER / HOMES)
- If you are a Duke Energy customer in NC, the Tariffed On-Bill program can help homeowners and renters install energy efficiency improvements, pay over time on their electric bill, and save money immediately.
- If you are experiencing a heating or cooling crisis, the Crisis Intervention Program may be able to help. Applications are taken each year beginning July 1st – June 30th of the following year or until the CIP allocation is exhausted, whichever comes first.
- If you are approved for LIHEAP or the Crisis Intervention Program, you automatically qualify for Duke Energy’s Customer Assistance Program. CAP provides a flat monthly credit of up to $42 on your bill for 12 months, making your energy costs more manageable. Once your LIHEAP or CIP application is approved, the credit will be automatically applied to your Duke Energy bill.
- Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) at jplindem@ncsu.edu.
- Check out our (non-exhaustive) list of non-federal funding from other sources that may fit your energy and cost-saving goals.
Where can I get more information?
- Rewiring America’s Personal Electrification Planner helps homeowners and renters see what funds may fit their individual needs. In less than five minutes, the Personal Electrification Planner will generate a customized plan to help users go electric based on their unique home, lifestyle, and priorities. Check out the Planner HERE. *Due to Rewiring America’s changed privacy policy, any data you input may be sold to third parties.
- For a state-by-state breakdown of available funding for LIHEAP and CIP, visit the HHS website here. For South Carolina specific information on funding allocation, program details, and individual funding limits, click here. For North Carolina specific information, click here.
- If you need more assistance or are looking to get help with applying, contact Meech Carter at info@energyfundsforall.org.