Open Enrollment for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Subsidy Component to Begin November 4

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 21, 2019): Enrollment for the Subsidy Component of Community Action Kentucky’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will run Nov. 4 through Dec. 13, 2019. Applications must be made during the set enrollment period and will be taken in alphabetical order based on the first letter of the head of household’s last name.

LIHEAP, a program designed to help low-income Kentuckians offset home heating costs, is divided into two components, a Subsidy Component and a Crisis Component. The Subsidy Component can offset heating costs based on an individual’s income and primary fuel type. Benefits are paid directly to the primary fuel vendor in the form of a voucher. All eligible households will receive a benefit. Enrollment for the Crisis Component, which helps income-qualified households with a verified home heating crisis, will begin in January.

“As we transition into the late fall and early winter, heating costs begin to rise. For thousands of people across Kentucky this creates a tremendous financial hardship, leaving many to go without,” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “By helping to ensure that no household is left in the cold, we are also helping to create a healthier living environment for seniors, children and adults of all ages.”

Each year, Community Action Kentucky and its 23 Community Action member agencies provide heating assistance to over 100,000 Kentucky families through LIHEAP. Kentucky’s network of Community Action agencies collectively operates outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local agency for specific application instructions. Pre-registration may be available at some agencies for applicants who are 60 and older or are disabled, and receive a fixed income, but dates vary.

All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at 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.

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a pass-through block grant from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. More information about LIHEAP, including a program fact sheet and contact information for all local Community Action agencies can be found at the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.

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About Community Action Kentucky

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting the 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and long-term success. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.