Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) We currently have funds for this program, and processing applications at this time. (Updated 10/8/2026)

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) The LIEAP program ended on March 31, 2026.(Updated 4/1/2026).

 

Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)

Individuals and families experiencing a heating or cooling-related crisis may apply for assistance through the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP).

Applications may be submitted to Alamance County Department of Social Services by:

  • Mail

  • Email

  • Fax

  • Drop-off 

Important Information

A face-to-face interview is not required at this time.

A disconnect notice is also not required at this time.

Applicants may provide a final notice or past-due utility bill and must have a health-related or life-threatening emergency to potentially qualify for crisis assistance.

Access the CIP application

En Español – Solicitud para Programas de Ayuda para Energía

About the Crisis Intervention Program

The Crisis Intervention Program is a federally funded program that assists individuals and families experiencing a heating or cooling-related crisis.

A household may be considered to be in crisis when 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 another source.

A life-threatening crisis may include a household that:

  • Has no heating or cooling source; or

  • Has a disconnect notice for its primary heating or cooling service; and

  • Has a household member whose health or well-being would be in danger if the heating or cooling crisis were not resolved.

Each household is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine whether a heating or cooling crisis exists.

When Can I Apply?

Applications are accepted each year from July 1 through June 30 of the following year, or until the available CIP funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

Who May Be Eligible?

Households that meet the following criteria may be eligible for assistance:

  • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the program's eligibility requirements

  • Meet the program's income requirements

  • Have an energy-related crisis

  • Provide a utility statement showing the amount owed to resolve the crisis

  • Meet the program's resource limits

Resource Limits

Households with a member who is age 60 or older or disabled:
Resources must be at or below $4,500.

All other households:
Resources must be at or below $3,000.

Eligibility Requirements

The following chart provides additional information about Crisis Intervention Program eligibility requirements.

CIP Eligibility

 

Income Guidelines

View the current income guidelines for the Crisis Intervention Program:

Crisis Intervention Program Income Levels Based on 150% of the Federal Poverty Level

 

Need to know:

LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program)

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally-funded program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.  

Only households containing an elderly person age 60 and above or a disabled person receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) are eligible to potentially receive benefits from December 1st through December 31st or until funds are exhausted. 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.

A household that applies must:

  • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
  • Meet an income test
  • Have reserves at or below $2,250
  • Be responsible for its heating bills

Eligibility

The following chart describes the Low Income Energy Assistance Eligibility Requirements.

Eligibility Requirement What’s Needed How Often
Identity ID, Contact with someone knowledgeable of your situation  At application
Address Lease, rental agreement, any other shelter expenses, contact with someone knowledgeable of your situation  At application or  situation, if moving
Citizenship/ Alien Status Verification of citizenship/alien status via Immigration and Naturalization Service  At application
Social Security Number Valid social security card or number  At application
Earned Income: Wages/Self-Employment Wage stubs, tax forms contacting employer  At application
Unearned Income: Public Benefits/ Private Retirement Benefits/Trust, etc. Documents from provider, award letter  At application
Assets/Resources Ownership and tax records – bank and court documents  At application
Heating Expense Copy of bills  At application

When Energy Program funding is available, Alamance County DSS offers services using our current application process for Energy.

 We remain committed to providing accessible and efficient service to our community.

To Apply: The following procedures are in place:

  • Energy applications can be picked up at the main entrance of the DSS building, completed via ePass, taken by phone or mailed per customer request.

  • Once completed, applications can be returned to Alamance DSS by:

    • Secured drop box located at the main entrance of Social Services (checked throughout the workday.)

    • Mail to 319 N. Graham Hopedale Road Suite C Burlington, NC 27217

    • Email at [email protected]

    • Fax at 336-228-2021

  • Additional information can be returned with your application such as income verification (last 4 paystubs if paid weekly, last 2 paystubs if paid biweekly) and energy bill information.

Once your application is received your interview will be conducted by telephone—your application will not be considered valid until an interview has been completed and a signed application received.  You will be contacted by an energy worker for an interview, so please include a valid contact phone number to ensure your interview can be completed.  Once the interview has been completed, your application will be processed.

Per new state policy, you do not have to be at a point of disconnection to apply for services, you only need a past due bill.

To find more information about eligibility and links to print an application in English or Spanish. Click Here.

To inquire if funding is available, please call our information line at 336-229-2974.