Kentucky LIHEAP (Home Energy Assistance)

Kentucky LIHEAP helps low-income households pay home heating and cooling costs, reaching roughly 150,000 families each winter. You do not apply through a state office. The state contracts with local Community Action Agencies across Kentucky, which take applications and pay out benefits, so the first step is finding your local agency. Public questions go to 800-456-3452.

There are two winter components with different calendars. The Subsidy component runs in November and December and helps households at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level pay heating costs, paid to the vendor or as a portion of rent. The Crisis component runs from early January until mid-March, or until funds run out.

Crisis help is for real emergencies, and you must show one: a utility disconnect notice, four or fewer days of fuel oil, propane, kerosene, wood, or coal, or an eviction notice for unpaid rent that includes heat. Households at or above 75 percent of poverty pay a small co-payment, the minimum needed to resolve the emergency.

There is a resource test to know. You generally cannot have more than $2,000 in liquid resources, rising to $4,000 if a household member has a catastrophic illness and the assets go toward medical and living expenses.

Summer cooling help exists, but only sometimes. When extra federal or state funds are available, LIHEAP gives a one-time payment to your electric provider, and air conditioners may be provided for at-risk households, a member with a health condition, age 65 or older, or under age 6, with no working AC.

Bring the full document set to your appointment: recent utility bills with account numbers, proof of gross income, any final shut-off notice, proof of address, proof of everyone in the household, Social Security numbers, and proof of citizenship or residency. Pair LIHEAP with weatherization at the same agency to lower future bills.