The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is a Federally-funded program that provides assistance to eligible households that are in a heating or cooling related emergency. The goal of the CIP program is to help families stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By doing so, this reduces the risk of health and safety problems such as illness, fire, or eviction.
Benefits may vary based upon the amount needed to alleviate the crisis. An eligible household may receive assistance more than one time during the State Fiscal Year (July through June).
The maximum allowed benefit amount can be up to $600 per State fiscal year. All payments are made directly to the vendor.
Eligibility Requirements
A household that applies must:
- Must apply in the county in which you reside
- Have at least one U.S. citizen or a non-citizen who meets certain eligibility criteria
- Meet an income test (150% poverty level)
- Be in a heating or cooling-related emergency
- Must have received final notice for electric and gas utilities
Energy Assistance is important to all that receive it, but more so if someone in your home may especially be at risk for a life threatening illness or death if their home is too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer.
Information Needed for Application process
- Income verification for all household members for the prior month
- Name, date of birth, and social security numbers of each household member
- If a household heats with electricity or natural gas or electricity, bring active account numbers
- Must have a final notice and be in an immediate crisis
Low Income Energy Assistance Program
(Households do not have to be in a crisis to receive this benefit)
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides a one-time annual vendor payment to help eligible low-income families pay their heating bills (not cooling bills). The benefit amount is either $200, $300, $400, and this is determined based on household size, household income, and the household heating source.
Eligibility Requirements
A household that applies must:
- Must apply in the county in which you reside
- Have reserves at or below $2,200
- Be responsible for its heating bills
- Have at least one U.S. citizen or a noncitizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
- Household income must be less than 130% of the current poverty level
Information Needed for Application process
- Income verification for all household members for the prior month
- Banking account information
- Information about household’s property, stocks, bonds, and other assets
- Name, date of birth, and social security numbers of each household member
- If a household heats with electricity or natural gas or electricity, bring active account numbers
Emergency Assistance
Work First Eligible families who are experiencing a financial emergency may be eligible for assistance with past due rent, deposit, utilities, or medication. The amount of assistance depends on availability of funds and an assessment with a social worker. However, there is a limit of $300 per fiscal year per family.
Eligibility Information:
- Have a child in the home under the age of 18 that meets a certain degree of kinship, or have legal custody or guardianship of a child.
- Have total income at or below 200% of poverty level
- Be able to eliminate the emergency situation by the EA payment
- Have at least one U. S. citizen or noncitizen who meets the eligibility criteria
- Not have received the maximum available EA payment of $300 within the fiscal year.
This is just a guide. An eligibility worker at the Department of Social Services will assess your individual situation and inform you of your eligibility status.
Information Needed for Application process
- Income verification for all household members for the prior month
- Name, date of birth, and social security numbers of each household member
- Utility bill, proof that eviction is imminent, or other documentation of the crisis
- Must have a final notice and be in an immediate crisis
General Assistance
The Vance County Department of Social Services General Assistance (GA) Fund is a discretionary fund established by the board of County Commissioners to assist citizens experiencing emergencies. General Assistance is a short-term financial crisis intervention program. It is not intended to supplement other governmentally supported programs such as SSI, Work First Cash Assistance, Food and Nutrition, Medicaid, etc. It is likewise not intended to allow individuals to live beyond their means. Any degree of dependence on this program is discouraged. The client will be encouraged and expected to utilize every available Department of Social Services, community and personal resource in achieving self-sufficiency. The General Assistance goal is to purchase services. No payments can be made if the service will be terminated regardless of payments. The amount of assistance depends on availability of funds and an assessment with a social worker. However, there is a limit of $200 per fiscal year per family.
General Assistance funds are to be limited to the following uses. However, expenditures should be made only after every other resource has been exhausted.
- Rent (A statement from the landlord or verbal confirmation from the landlord or eviction notice.).
- Utilities (Final Notices). Utility bills must be in the name of an adult household member.
- Life threatening medication.
- Other services as approved by the Director
Eligibility Information:
- Have total income at or below 200% of poverty level
- Be able to eliminate the emergency situation by the GA payment
- Have at least one U. S. citizen or noncitizen who meets the eligibility criteria
- Not have received the maximum available GA payment of $200 within the fiscal year.
This is just a guide. An eligibility worker at the Department of Social Services will assess your individual situation and inform you of your eligibility status.
Information Needed for Application process
- Income verification for all household members for the prior month
- Name, date of birth, and social security numbers of each household member
- Utility bill, proof that eviction is imminent, or other documentation of the crisis
- Must have a final notice and be in an immediate crisis