Richmond County DSS offering heating help

ROCKINGHAM — With temperatures beginning to drop as winter draws near, some low-income families may need help keeping warm.

The Richmond County Department of Social Services announced this week that it will soon be taking applications for assistance.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.

According to DSS, households with a person aged 60 or older, or an individual receiving disability benefits and services from the N.C. Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to apply Dec. 1-31. All other households may apply from Jan. 1-March 31, or until funds are exhausted.

Applications will be taken at the Social Services building, 125 Caroline St., Rockingham, or at the following sites from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

• Ellerbe Senior Center- Dec. 5, 12
• Hamlet Senior Center- Dec. 3, 10
• East Rockingham Senior Center- Dec. 4, 11

Tenants of Magnolia Garden can apply on Dec. 19 and those at Sierra Garden on Dec. 17. Both application periods are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A household that applies must:

• have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria;
• meet an income test;
• have reserves at or below $2,250; and
• be responsible for its heating bills.

For more information, contact DSS at 910-997-8400.