LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The state is making appointments for the annual Crisis Component of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Agencies across Kentucky are accepting applications on a first come, first serve basis.

LIHEAP helps households that qualify with heating costs from Jan. 9 through March 31, 2023 or until funds run out.

To use the Crisis Component, the household income of applicants must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines, received a “disconnect” notice from a utility company or be within four days of running out of a non-metered fuel such as propane. Applicants can also apply if they have a current bill with a late or past due amount, or if they are on an arrearage payment plan

The crisis funds will cover the minimum needed to ease the crisis, but will not be more than $400. A household can reapply every time they experience a crisis, or who meet eligibility with the current bill having a past due amount, until they reach their maximum benefit.

Payments are made directly to the heating company, LG&E, for example.

Kentucky’s Community Action Network collectively operates outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties. Applicants should apply at their local Community Action outreach office. To locate your local office, please call 800-456-3452.

You must make an appointment in advance to apply for LIHEAP.  In Louisville to make an in-person appointment, you can call an automated scheduler at 502-991-8391 or visit this website.

Those applying for benefits will need certain documents. They are:

• Proof of all household income for the preceding month (Food Stamp award letter, Social Security Award letter, pay stubs, or proof of $0 income). Note: Zero Income forms are available at the Resilience and Community Services office at 701 W. Ormsby Ave., Suite 201.
• Social Security cards or (official documentation with Social Security Numbers) or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
• Disconnect notice or a current bill with a past due amount for metered utilities
• Eviction notice and copy of a lease if heating expenses are included in the rent.
• Statement from a utility company that shows 10 days or fewer of service if taking part in pre-paid electric service. Include the account number and name on the account for all heating fuel sources and electric.

Louisville's Office of Resilience and Community Services also has a partnership with the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) and eligible residents can apply for MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program during their same schedule appointment.

Seniors 65 or older who have a gross annual household income of $35,000 or less may be eligible to receive a 30% discount on wastewater charges and the consent decree surcharge. This enrollment period is for new and renewing MSD discount program participants.

The same documentation needed for LIHEAP is needed for the MSD program. But it also requires applicants to have:

• Proof of active utility account with Louisville Water Company and MSD. (i.e. Named customers with MSD, receiving metered water service for a property used solely for residential purposes, and owned or leased by customer as principal residence).

In Louisville, if you or someone you know can’t go appear for the in-person appointments, can send another person on their behalf. The representative must have the required documentation and a handwritten note, dated and signed by the applicant, authorizing them to handle the application process. Homebound residents or those who can’t send a representative can call 502-780-7937.

More information about LIHEAP and a listing of LIHEAP outreach offices can be found at the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.