Resources

In partnership with our Community Action agency members, Community Action Kentucky is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve greater economic stability and improved health outcomes. Our collective network, which includes outreach offices in every Kentucky county, uniquely positions us to provide resources throughout the state. Below is an overview of the many programs and services that are currently available. We also encourage you to reach out to your local agency to learn about any location-specific services that may be available.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Winter Crisis

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Winter Crisis enrollment will begin on January 6 and run through March 27, 2026.

The Crisis component is designed to assist Kentucky households facing heating emergencies. Eligible households may qualify for assistance to resolve a heating crisis, such as imminent loss of heat, low fuel supply, or eviction due to unpaid utility bills. This program includes electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, or fuel oil.

Benefits are paid directly to the household’s energy vendor and cover the minimum amount required to alleviate the crisis, not exceeding the local cost for a deliverable supply of the household’s primary heating fuel or $400 for gas or electric. Households may reapply each time they experience a heating crisis until they reach their maximum benefit.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, or until funds are depleted. Income eligibility is up to and including 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Prior LIHEAP assistance does not affect eligibility for the Crisis component.

Interested households should contact their local Community Action Agency office to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

Households must meet program eligibility criteria, including income limits and proof of a heating emergency, to qualify for assistance. Applicants are required to provide 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 electric bill, statement from your landlord if electric is 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.
For the Crisis component:
- Disconnect or past-due notice for natural gas or electricity.
- If heat is included in rent, a copy of the lease and eviction notice.
- Pre-Pay Electric Program participants must show proof of having 10 days or less of pre-paid electric service.

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which receives funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Find your Local Office

LIHEAP Fact Sheet: English

LIHEAP Fact Sheet: Spanish

Press Release

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEA)

The Home Energy Assistance Program, through partnerships with participating utility providers, allows Community Action Agencies to accept applications for slot-based programs. The program year runs from October to September, and households must re-apply each year.

Availability of slots is limited and depends on the utility provider, the household’s county, and the type of benefit. Approved applications are placed on a waitlist. Applications are selected from the waitlist based on households with the lowest income first. If a slot becomes available in the household’s county and all eligibility requirements are met, their application may be prioritized. An approved application is not a guarantee of a benefit.

The benefit months and benefit amount awarded to enrolled households varies based on the participating Utility Provider.

Participating Utilities Fact Sheets:

Participating Utilities Fact Sheets in Spanish:

Eligibility:

Household income must be at or below 200% Percentage of Poverty
Must be an active residential customer of a participating utility with service connected at the residence where benefits will be credited
Must use electricity or natural gas as the household’s primary heat source.
Must provide the utility with access for monthly meter readings
Does not reside in a multi-unit single metered building
There may be additional eligibility requirements specific to the Utility Provider(s).

Duke Energy and Kentucky Power HEA Crisis Programs begin taking applications in January. These programs are first come, first serve programs that assist households who are facing crisis situations.

Participating Utilities Crisis Fact Sheets:

Health Insurance Enrollment

Community Action Kentucky’s local kynectors are ready to help you navigate the process of applying for health insurance. Our kynectors can work with you by addressing your concerns and assisting you in the enrollment process. Whether you need full Medicaid benefits or qualify for a special enrollment period for a Qualified Health Plan on the State Based marketplace, kynectors are here to help. Contact your local Benefits Specialist for full details.

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