Additional emergency heating assistance available for counties impacted by Helene

North Carolina is providing low-income residents impacted by Helene additional emergency assistance for heating costs and repairs.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services began accepting applications for the Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) on January 2. State lawmakers appropriated additional Disaster Energy Assistance funding for eligible households in 25 affected counties including Ashe, Watauga, and Wilkes.

Applications for the additional funding will be accepted beginning Wednesday. Residents can apply for both LIHEAP and the Disaster Energy Assistance funding. The money can be applied to fuel bills as well as to repairs for heating systems.

Individuals can apply in person or over the phone with their local county Department of Social Services.