RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - The Commission of Indian Affairs has announced the availability of a program to financially assist elderly and disabled families with energy-related bills this winter. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally-funded program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help qualifying households. The Commission of Indian Affairs’ LIEAP staff has identified eligible families in Columbus, Halifax, Sampson and Warren Counties and has provided them with information about the program and how to apply.

To be eligible, households must contain a person age 60 and above or a disabled person receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services. In addition, the applicant household must contain at least one US citizen (or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria), meet an income test, have financial reserves at or below $2,200, and have financial responsibility for its heating bills.

Funds will be available December 1, 2014 through their depletion.