Low Income Energy Assistance Available Through DSS
The Cumberland County Department of Social Services (DSS) is accepting applications for the North Carolina Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) to help qualified families with heating costs. The federally funded program provides a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.
Priority households include Individuals aged 60 or older and households with a disabled individual receiving services through the N.C. Division of Aging and Adult Services, currently receiving Food and Nutrition Services who received LIEAP for fiscal year 2024-25. These households were notified in November 2025 and will be eligible for automatic LIEAP payments again this year.
Individuals aged 60 or older and disabled persons receiving services through the N.C. Division of Aging who did not receive an automatic LIEAP notice, are eligible to sign up for assistance beginning Dec. 10, 2025.
All other households may apply from Jan. 2, 2026, to March 31, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
Energy benefits will be paid directly to the vendor.
Cumberland County DSS encourages all residents interested in applying for LIEAP to apply online at www.epass.nc.gov. This is the fastest and easiest way to apply for LIEAP benefits during your allotted timeframe.
Additional application methods to apply are:
- Fax to 910-677-2885
- Email to energyprogram@ccdssnc.com
- Mail to P.O. Box 2429 Fayetteville, NC 28302
- Drop off at boxes located on the Hillsboro St. side of the DSS building at 1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville
- Households may also apply in person, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Households including a Native American who is 18 years of age or older residing in Cumberland County, who wish to apply for LIEAP benefits, must do so through the Lumbee Tribe at lumbeetribe.com/services.
For more information, contact the DSS LIEAP message line at 910-677-2821 or the Cumberland County Department of Social Services at 910-323-1540.
Holiday Closings
The Department of Social Services and all County offices will be closed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 24 – 26, for the Christmas holiday and Thursday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day.
