To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

CHARLOTTE -- Thousands of people lined up Monday to try to get some help paying their energy bills this winter.

The North Carolina Department of Social Services started taking applications for its Low Income Energy Assistance program. Gloria Robinson, Mecklenburg County's DSS manager, said she's expecting the struggling economy to force more people to apply for help.

"The lines were out the door when we opened up [Monday] morning," Robinson said. "Due to our economy, we have an increased number of folks that will be applying for energy assistance this year."

Last winter, DSS helped almost 258,000 households, paying out a total of more than $45 million across the state. Robinson said she's expecting to see a 50 percent increase in applications.

"They're forecasting a colder-than-normal winter for our region, so this assistance will help some people get through their heating costs for the winter," she said.

Makema Kallam has been looking for work to support her two children since March and applied for the program at Mecklenburg County DSS office Monday morning

"Every little bit helps," Kallam said. "It's frustrating, but I just try to maintain the best way I can."

Eligible households must meet an income requirement, be responsible for its heating bills and have assets totaling less than $2,200.

DSS is asking people to make sure they bring the following items with them when they apply:

• Name, date of birth and Social Security cards of each household member
• Items to verify identity, such as a driver's license passport or Social Security card
• Pay stubs, bank statements (checking and savings) and child care receipts from October
• Unearned income in October (such as award letters)
• Verification of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, savings certificates, retirement funds (such as IRA's, 401(k)'s, Keogh accounts)

For more information about the program or DSS office locations, go to your county's DSS Web site.