Kentucky Families With Low Incomes Can Apply for Help With Their Energy Bills

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky’s Community Action Network is now accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Winter Crisis from eligible households. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until March 31, or until the designated funds are used up.

The program’s goal is to help qualified households that are having trouble heating their homes with fuels like natural gas, propane, coal, wood, electric, and fuel oil. The program is open to people whose income is up to and including 150% of the government poverty level.

Eligible households can ask for a benefit that covers at least the bare necessities to get through the crisis, up to the maximum benefit. In times of disaster, households can reapply as many times as they need to until they get the most help. The benefits are given straight to the person who provides fuel for the home.

Households that want to apply should call their local Community Action Agency office. The following documents will need to be submitted by applicants:

–A Social Security number or proof of permanent residence (green card) for each person living in the house.

–Proof of all family members’ income from the month before.

–Your most recent electric bill, a statement from your owner if your rent includes electricity, and a statement from the utility company if you are in a pre-pay electric program.

–The name and account number for the main sources of heating fuel and the power bill.

Those who want help with natural gas or electricity must bring a disconnect or past-due notice, such as a termination notice, final notice, or utility arrearage payment plan amount. You need to bring a copy of your lease and an eviction letter if your rent goes with heat. People who want to join a Pre-Pay Electric Program must show proof from their utility company that they have at least 10 days of pre-paid electric service.

A household’s eligibility is not affected by the help they got through earlier parts of LIHEAP.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and Community Action Kentucky work together to run LIHEAP. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services gets the money from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a pass-through block grant.