Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Funded by a Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can offer relief to low-income residents on their home heating and cooling costs. This assistance can, in turn, reduce the risk of health and safety concerns such as illness, fire or eviction. LIHEAP support is divided into two components, Subsidy and Crisis. Both components have income eligibility requirements and are limited to available funds on a first-come, first-serve basis during the respective enrollment window. All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at the time of application:
- Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
- Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month.
- Most current heating bill, statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
- The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.
LIHEAP Crisis
LIHEAP Crisis is available to assist households experiencing a home heating crisis situation. Households must meet income eligibility requirements, as well as have received a “disconnect” notice from their utility company or be within four days of running out of a non-metered fuel such as propane. Crisis benefits will cover the minimum needed to alleviate the crisis not to exceed the local cost for a deliverable supply of the household’s primary heating fuel or $400 for gas or electric. The applicant must be responsible for home heating costs or pay heating costs as an undesignated portion of rent. Prior LIHEAP assistance received does not impact a household’s eligibility. Households can reapply each time they experience a crisis situation until they reached their maximum benefit. Benefits are paid directly to the primary fuel vendor. Enrollment is open January through March, or until funds have been expended. Applications are taken in person at your local LKLP County Outreach Office. Homebound applicants are encouraged to contact their local office so that an application can be mailed. The enrollment period for LIHEAP Crisis is currently closed.
LIHEAP Spring Subsidy
LIHEAP Spring Subsidy typically runs March through May depending on funding availability. This one-time, electric-only benefit program is available to households with income up to and including 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Applications are approved on first-come, first-serve basis or until designated funds are depleted. Assistance received during previous LIHEAP enrollment components does not affect your eligibility. The enrollment period for LIHEAP Spring Subsidy is currently closed.
LIHEAP Summer Subsidy
LIHEAP Summer Subsidy runs June through September depending on funding availability. The Summer Subsidy Component provides households with incomes up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines a one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $250 depending on income levels and housing category. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s electric vendor. Applications are approved on first-come, first-serve basis or until designated funds are depleted. Assistance received during previous LIHEAP enrollment components does not affect your eligibility. The enrollment period for LIHEAP Summer Subsidy is currently closed.
LIHEAP Subsidy
LIHEAP Subsidy is designed to offset heating costs based on an individual’s income, housing category and primary fuel type. Eligible heating fuel types are electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood and fuel oil. Income eligibility requirements are up to 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Benefits are paid directly to the primary fuel vendor. The applicant must be responsible for home heating costs or pay heating costs as an undesignated portion of rent. Prior LIHEAP assistance received does not impact a household’s eligibility. Enrollment for the Subsidy Component is open November-December each year, or until funds have been expended. The enrollment period for LIHEAP Subsidy is currently closed.
Our Impact
LIHEAP Subsidy
3,630
households
$568,010
approved
LIHEAP Crisis
5,349
households
$1,428,248
approved
LIHEAP Summer Cooling
808
households
$301,900
approved
LIHEAP Summer Crisis
325
households
$109,651
approved
Data from Fiscal Year 2022-2023
LKLP and CAK administer LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.