Individuals and families experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis may apply for assistance through the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). Applicants can complete a CIP application by mail, email, fax or drop-off at their local DSS. A face-to-face interview is not required at this time. In addition, disconnect notices are not required at this time. Applicants can present a final notice or past due utility bill and must have a health related or life threatening emergency to potentially be eligible for crisis funds. Access the application here. En Espanól aplicar aqui.
The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is a Federally funded program that assists individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis. A household is considered to be in a crisis if 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 any other source. Life threatening is defined as a household which has no heating or cooling source or has a disconnect notice for their primary heating or cooling service and the health or well being of a household member would be in danger if the heating or cooling crisis was not alleviated. Each household should be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if there is a heating or cooling crisis.
Applications are taken each year beginning July 1st - June 30th of the following year or until the CIP allocation is exhausted, whichever comes first.
Households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:
The following chart describes the Crisis Intervention Program Eligibility Requirements.
| Eligibility Requirement | What's Needed | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship/ Eligible Alien | Verification of citizenship/eligible alien status via Immigration and Naturalization Service | At application |
| Social Security Number, when available | Valid social security card or number | At application |
| Heating or Cooling Expense | Copy of bills | At application |
Contact your local Department of Social Services to complete the application process and for additional information on CIP. To apply for Energy Assistance online please visit NCDHHS - ePASS.
For more information please contact your local Department of Social Services or contact us.