Union Co accepting applications for help to pay heating bills | Shopping & Services

MONROE (Union County Department of Social Services) - The Union County Department of Social Services will begin accepting applications for citizens interested in receiving assistance with their heating costs during the cold-weather months on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 1212 W. Roosevelt Boulevard in Monroe.

Applications will also be taken at several off-site locations throughout Union County. Locations and times are listed below:

Healthquest
415 East Franklin Street in Monroe
Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Bragg Street Community Building
624 North Bragg Street in Monroe
Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Indian Trail United Methodist Church
113 Indian Trail Road South
Dec. 2 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Marshville Site
313 Church Street
Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Mineral Springs United Methodist Church
5915 Old Waxhaw-Monroe Rd.
Dec. 6 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

In the past, applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) were taken in November and payments were sent directly to program recipients in February. Households participating in the Food and Nutrition Services Program (formerly called Food Stamps) were automatically approved. That is no longer the case. Under the program changes, all households must meet income and resource eligibility requirements and must apply for LIEAP funds; there are no longer automatic approvals.

In addition, at the direction of the North Carolina General Assembly, energy payments will now be made directly to the service provider, such as power, gas or oil companies during the month of the application.

Applications for persons age 60 and above or disabled persons (receives SSI, SSA or VA disability) who are receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) will be taken from Dec. 1 – Jan. 31 or until funds are exhausted. All members of the household must be 60 years of age or older, or at least one household member must be disabled and receiving funds through the DAAS.

If funds remain available after Jan 31, any other eligible households may apply during February through the end of March. If there are questions regarding the application process, please contact the Union County DSS information line at 704-296-6195.