$9 Million in Energy Assistance Available for 25 NC Counties

Tropical Storm Helene left a lasting impact on communities in Western North Carolina, and its effects will be felt for years to come.

Disaster Energy Assistance is now available for households in 25 disaster-declared counties to help residents recover and stay safe during the winter.

This program provides vital financial support for heating services, repairs, and energy needs, ensuring that families have the resources to rebuild and stay warm.

 

What Is Disaster Energy Assistance?

Disaster Energy Assistance is a temporary emergency program created to help low-income households restore or maintain heating services after natural disasters like Tropical Storm Helene.

This program provides critical relief for:

• Covering heating costs.
• Restoring heating systems that were damaged.
• Continuing heating services to avoid interruptions during recovery.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) allocated $9 million in state funds, courtesy of the NC General Assembly, to support this program.

However, funds are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until they are exhausted.

 

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for Disaster Energy Assistance, households must meet the following criteria:

1. Residency: You must currently reside in one of the 25 disaster-declared counties affected by Tropical Storm Helene. Additionally, you must have lived in one of these counties at the time of the storm.
2. Citizenship: The household must include at least one U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
3. Income: Household income must be equal to or less than 60% of the state’s median income.
4. Storm Impact: You must have experienced a loss directly caused by Tropical Storm Helene.

This program is designed to support families who are most vulnerable and have been directly impacted by the storm’s devastation.

 

How to Apply

Applying for Disaster Energy Assistance is straightforward, and there are two ways to get started:

1. In-Person: Visit your local county Department of Social Services (DSS) office to apply directly.
2. By Phone: Call your local DSS office to complete the application process over the phone.

Make sure to provide necessary documents, including proof of income, residency, and documentation of your loss or need resulting from Tropical Storm Helene.

With $9 million in state funds available, Disaster Energy Assistance is a lifeline for those affected by Tropical Storm Helene.

For more information on disaster assistance programs, visit NCDHHS Disaster Assistance Resources.

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