Checked October 13, 2026
Help paying bills in North Carolina
Behind on your electric, gas or rent in North Carolina? Here are the real programs, who to call, and what to do first. All free.
Do these 3 things first
- Behind on a bill right now? Ask your county Department of Social Services (DSS) about the Crisis Intervention Program. It runs all year.
- Plan for LIEAP (heating help). Households with someone 60+ or disabled (getting state disability services) can apply in December; everyone else from January 1. Apply on ePASS or at your county DSS.
- Someone 65+ or disabled at home? Ask your utility about winter shutoff protection (November 1 to March 31).
Help with electric and gas bills
LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance)
A one-time payment sent to your heating company. Households with someone 60 or older, or a disabled person getting state disability services, can apply December 1–31. Everyone else can apply January 1 to March 31, or until the money runs out. Income limit: 130% of the federal poverty level. You must pay your own heating bill.
Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)
Year-round help with heating or cooling bills when you face a health or life-threatening energy crisis, such as a shutoff notice. Apply through your county DSS or on ePASS.
Got a shutoff notice?
From November 1 to March 31, utilities can't shut off households that include someone 65+ or disabled, can't pay under an installment plan, and are certified by county social services as eligible for energy assistance. Call your utility to ask for this protection. For everyone: power can't be cut on Fridays, weekends, holidays, or the day before a holiday, and you can name someone else to get a copy of shutoff notices. If your utility won't help, call the Public Staff of the NC Utilities Commission.
If your utility won't help: Public Staff, NC Utilities Commission, Consumer Services · 1-866-380-9816
Behind on rent
North Carolina does not have one statewide rent program open right now. Dial 2-1-1 (or 888-892-1162) for emergency rent help in your county, and ask your county DSS about emergency assistance.
Food, health care and phone
Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Medicaid and energy help
Apply online for all of them in one place.
Lifeline (phone or internet discount)
A federal discount on one phone or internet plan if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or meet income rules.
Lower the bills you pay every month
A 60-second check of your phone, car insurance, bank fees and credit. Free options first.
Make a plan for the next few months
Once the emergency is handled, see where your money goes and which bills to pay from each paycheck. The Budget Starter is free. The Debt Freedom Planner adds your debt-free date and a spending tracker.
Dealing with it right now? The Hard Month Kit ($9) has printable call scripts, a hardship letter and a bill priority worksheet.
We sell the planner. It never changes the advice on this page. How we make money.
Watch out for scams
Real help programs never charge a fee to apply. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto, and never give your login or PIN to anyone who calls you. Report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
Program details change. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount.
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