Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Keeping your home warm during Kentucky's colder months can be expensive, especially if you're living on a limited income. Kentucky's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay heating costs and, when funding is available, may also help with summer cooling expenses.

Applying for LIHEAP as soon you can is highly recommended, as funding is limited and the amount of help you receive depends on your household's needs, eligibility, and available program funds.

How does Kentucky LIHEAP work?

Kentucky LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps people with low incomes pay their home energy bills. This program offers two main types of assistance:

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Subsidy Benefits: Help eligible households pay their home heating costs during the regular LIHEAP season, which runs from November through December in Kentucky.

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Crisis Benefits: Provide extra help if you are in danger of losing your heat or are experiencing another home heating emergency. This benefit is available from early January through mid-March, or until funding runs out.

Summer Cooling Assistance is offered only when additional funding is available, and the program is approved for that year. These benefits provide a one-time payment to help cover electricity costs for cooling your home. Some eligible households may also receive help with a cooling unit, such as an air conditioner, depending on program availability and local administration.

Who can get help from Kentucky LIHEAP?

To qualify for Kentucky LIHEAP, you must meet program requirements. Eligibility varies by benefit type.

To qualify for Subsidy Benefits, you must:

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Live in Kentucky

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Meet the program's income limits (at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level)

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Be responsible for paying your home heating costs, either through a heating bill or as part of your rent

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Have $2,000 or less in liquid assets, such as cash or money in checking and savings accounts

Note: If someone in your household has a catastrophic illness, you may have up to $4,000 in liquid assets if the money is being used for medical or living expenses.

To qualify for Crisis Benefits, you must meet the requirements above and be facing a home heating emergency, such as:

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Receiving a shut-off notice from your utility company

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Having four or fewer days of heating fuel left, such as heating oil, propane, kerosene, wood, or coal

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Receiving an eviction notice for unpaid rent if your heating costs are included in your rent

How do I apply for LIHEAP?

The Kentucky LIHEAP application process is different in each county. To find out how to apply in your county contact your local Community Action Agency.

When you apply for LIHEAP, you may need to provide:

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Recent utility bill

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Proof of income, such as a recent pay stub or tax form

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Proof of benefits income (such as Social Security, unemployment, pension, or disability income)

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A shut-off notice from your utility company, if you have one

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Proof of your current address (such as mail or a signed lease)

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Proof of who lives in your household (such as birth certificates or school records)

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Social Security numbers for everyone in your household

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Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status

How can I get help with my application?

If you need help applying for Kentucky LIHEAP or have questions about the program, help is available. You can:

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Contact your local Community Action Agency.

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Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you.https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-youSee if there’s one in your area.

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NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559).

What if I cannot get help from Kentucky LIHEAP?

1. Talk to your utility company

Many utility companies in Kentucky offer programs that can help customers pay their energy bills. For example, Kentucky Power offers:

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Home Energy Assistance in Reduced Temperatures (HEART): Provides monthly bill assistance from January through April for eligible customers who use electric heat.

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Temporary Heating Assistance in Winter (THAW): Offers temporary financial help for eligible customers who need assistance paying their heating bills.

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Targeted Energy Efficiency Program: Provides weatherization and energy efficiency improvements to help eligible households lower energy bills and make their homes safer and more comfortable.

2. Look for other assistance programs in Kentucky

You may qualify for other programs that help lower your energy costs, including the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). This program helps eligible households reduce energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.

3. Contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)

These local centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs to afford food, health care, and energy bills. You can contact a BEC in your area for guidance and support.