The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program began accepting applications from the general public for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program or LIEAP on Jan. 2, 2025.  For the 25 counties that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, additional Disaster Energy Assistance funding has been appropriated by the NC General Assembly to assist households with heating costs and repairs during the colder winter months. Beginning Jan. 15, 2025, applications for these additional Disaster Energy Assistance funds will be accepted for eligible households residing in one of the 25 identified disaster counties during and after Hurricane Helene, including:  Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, and Wilkes.