Cumberland County Accepts Applications for Heating Assistance Through March 31

Cumberland County Department of Social Services will take requests for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program through March 31, per the Cumberland County website. The program gives one payment to vendors, helping people cover heating costs.

DSS made the announcement on Feb. 26. Money still sits in the federal account, waiting for people who need it. Payments go straight to heating companies.

Some households get moved to the front of the line. People 60 or older qualify first. So do households with a disabled person getting help from the N.C. Division of Aging and Adult Services.

Families getting Food and Nutrition Services can apply with priority status. Anyone who got LIEAP money during fiscal year 2024-25 also gets bumped up. Everyone else can still put in a request through March 31 or whenever the money disappears.

Want to apply? Head to epass.nc.gov and fill out the forms there. You could also fax papers to 910-677-2885. You can also email dss.lieap@cumberlandcountync.gov.

Mail remains an option. Send documents to P.O. Box 2429, Fayetteville, NC 28302. Drop-off boxes sit on the Hillsboro Street side at 1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville. Walk in Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. if you'd rather hand over papers in person.

Native Americans aged 18 or older who live in the county must go through the Lumbee Tribe instead. Visit lumbeetribe.com/services to get started.

Questions? Call the DSS LIEAP message line at 910-677-2821. Or call the Department of Social Services at 910-323-1540.