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The North Carolina Department of Social Services has changed the process for citizens to get financial help with heating costs during the cold weather months through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP).
In the past, applications were taken in November and payments sent out in February.
Under the state-mandated changes, all households must apply for LIEAP funds; there are no automatic approvals. Also, energy payments will now be made directly to the utility not to individual households.
People over 60 and those on disability can apply for help beginning Dec. 1.
After Jan. 31, 2012, any other eligible households may apply.
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