DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- For the past few years, Patricia Murray has relied on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) to help cover some of her energy costs in the winter. She turns 70 years old next week and is on Social Security.

"Let's just say without LIEAP, I'd have to visit the food pantry more often," said Murray. "It's been a huge help."

The program offers a one-time payment of between three to five hundred dollars for applicants and it's based on their income and household size .

LIEAP serves more than 126,000 households in North Carolina. Last year in Durham County, the program served 1,781 households.

The money comes from the federal government, but there have been delays in distributing funding across the country.

"Every couple of months, right now we're g

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