Apply for Heating Cost Assistance

In preparation for the cold months of winter, individuals and families who need assistance paying for their home’s heating costs may apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. The Cabarrus County Department of Social Services will take applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program November 2 through November 13. Applications will be taken from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Cabarrus County Department of Social Services located at 1303 S. Cannon Blvd. in Kannapolis. The office will be closed November 11 in observance of Veterans’ Day.

Applications will also be taken Saturday, November 7 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Cabarrus County Senior Center in Mount Pleasant, located at 8615 Park Drive, and at the Midland Fire Department at 12805 Hwy. 601.

Eligibility is based on household income and how many people live in the home. Income limits per household are:

· $993 for a household of one;

· $1,337 for a household of two;

· $1,679 for a household of three;

· $2,022 for a household of four;

· $2,365 for a household of five; and

· $2,707 for a household of six.

Eligibility will be determined by using the October 2009 income. Applicants must bring verification of October 2009 income for all household members. Social security numbers and dates of birth for all household members also is required. Low Income Energy Assistance checks will be mailed to qualifying households in February 2010.

In addition, the Crisis Intervention Program is available on a limited basis when the weather creates a crisis situation for those with heating needs. The Crisis Intervention Program is for heating emergencies only and sets a limit on the amount of assistance a household may receive. There also are other guidelines to determine eligibility, including household composition and outside temperatures.

For more information about heating assistance, call the Cabarrus County Department of Social Services at 704-920-1400 or come by the office during the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.