Kentucky Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Quick Facts

• Program components: Kentucky LIHEAP includes a Subsidy component that provides monthly credits during winter, a Crisis component for emergency assistance, and a Spring Subsidy/Crisis Cooling program when funding allows.
• Administrators: The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) funds the program; Community Action Kentucky (CAK) and its network of local agencies handle intake and benefit delivery across all 120 counties.
• Eligibility baseline: Households qualify with incomes at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and responsibility for home energy costs.
• Unique feature: Subsidy benefits are structured as tiered monthly payments (typically $50–$250) that continue throughout the heating season, reducing ongoing bills rather than a single lump sum.
• Priority scheduling: Households with seniors, young children, disabilities, or life-threatening medical conditions receive expedited appointments.

Program Overview

Kentucky’s mix of Appalachian winters and humid summers poses energy challenges for low-income households. LIHEAP stabilizes budgets by subsidizing heating bills and responding quickly to shutoff threats. The program operates in coordinated phases: Subsidy (November–March), Crisis (November–March), and, depending on funding, Spring and Summer Cooling assistance. Each phase has distinct rules but often uses a single application to assess eligibility for multiple benefits.

Community Action Agencies serve as the front door. Applicants submit documents, complete interviews, and authorize communication between agencies and utilities. Once approved, monthly payments are credited directly to utility accounts or fuel vendors. Crisis benefits cover the amount needed to stop disconnections, including fees and deposits.

LIHEAP also connects households to Weatherization Assistance, Healthy at Home Eviction Relief (when available), and local philanthropic funds. Agencies provide energy education, budgeting workshops, and referrals to SNAP, WIC, and workforce services, recognizing that energy affordability is part of a broader household stability plan.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Income: Total household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Applicants may use the last 30 days of income or a 12-month look-back.
2. Energy responsibility: You must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs (direct billing or rent-included). Landlord statements are required if utilities are included in rent.
3. Residency: Applicants must reside in Kentucky and occupy the dwelling as their primary home.
4. Identification: Provide Social Security numbers or ITINs, photo IDs for adults, and proof of residency (utility bill, lease).
5. Documentation: Submit required paperwork including income verification, utility bills, fuel receipts, and crisis notices.

Households with disconnect notices, low fuel (below 10 days supply), or medically documented life-threatening conditions receive emergency priority. Veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and families exiting homelessness receive flexible accommodations.

Benefit Details

• Subsidy component: Provides a monthly benefit during the heating season. Amounts are determined by fuel type, income level, and housing type. For example, electric-heated homes may receive $150/month while natural gas customers receive $100/month.
• Crisis component: Offers up to $600 per event to stop disconnections or deliver emergency fuel. Multiple crises may be addressed per season if funding allows and situations remain life-threatening.
• Spring/Summer cooling: When funded, provides lump-sum payments (typically $150–$400) or equipment assistance (fans, AC units) for vulnerable households.
• Furnace repair/replacement: Some agencies allocate LIHEAP or utility settlement funds to repair or replace unsafe heating systems. Provide estimates from licensed contractors.
• Weatherization referrals: Approved households are referred to CAK’s Weatherization Program for insulation, air sealing, and HVAC upgrades.
• Water/sewer assistance: Many agencies coordinate LIHWAP applications alongside LIHEAP to address water arrears.

Subsidy Matrix Snapshot (Example)

Application Process

1. Locate local agency: Visit Community Action Kentucky’s LIHEAP page or call 800-456-3452 to find your county agency.
2. Schedule appointment: Agencies accept appointments online, by phone, or in person. Crisis cases may receive same-day service.
3. Prepare documents: Gather IDs, Social Security cards, proof of income, utility bills, landlord forms, and crisis documentation.
4. Complete intake: Attend interview (phone or in-person). Staff review eligibility, explain subsidy and crisis benefits, and collect signatures for utility releases.
5. Verification: Agencies contact utilities to confirm account status and request holds on disconnections. For deliverable fuels, they coordinate with vendors.
6. Approval: Subsidy benefits typically begin within 30 days, with monthly credits appearing on bills. Crisis payments post within 48 hours after documentation.
7. Follow up: Monitor bills, keep receipts, and notify the agency of household changes (income, address, occupants).

Documentation Checklist

• Government-issued photo IDs for adults.
• Social Security cards or ITIN documentation for all household members.
• Proof of income for the previous 30 days (pay stubs, unemployment, Social Security, SSI, child support, pensions, veteran benefits). Provide a profit-and-loss statement for self-employment.
• Proof of zero income if applicable (self-declaration form, support letters).
• Current utility bills (electric, gas) showing account numbers and arrears.
• Fuel delivery invoices or vendor statements for propane, kerosene, oil, wood, or coal.
• Disconnect or past-due notices, termination letters, or eviction notices tied to utility arrears.
• Lease agreement or landlord statement verifying utility responsibility.
• Medical documentation for households requesting life-threatening crisis priority.
• Proof of residency (mail with name/address, voter registration).

Seasonal Timeline

• September: Agencies announce intake dates. Gather documents, service HVAC systems, and enroll in budget billing.
• October: Attend outreach events, update agency contact information, and pre-apply if available.
• November: Subsidy and Crisis programs launch. Apply early to secure full benefits.
• December–February: Monitor energy usage, request additional crisis aid if storms or deep freezes increase costs, and follow up on weatherization referrals.
• March: Final month for winter benefits. Submit required re-certifications or crisis documents before programs close.
• April–June: Prepare for potential cooling programs; clean air conditioners, replace filters, and monitor agency announcements.
• July–August: Attend energy education workshops, adopt conservation strategies, and plan for next season.

Maximizing LIHEAP

1. Link with utility programs: Enroll in LG&E, KU, Duke Energy, or municipal utility assistance funds (e.g., WinterCare, WinterShare). Present LIHEAP approval to demonstrate need.
2. Budget billing: Levelized payment plans reduce winter spikes and help maintain subsidy effectiveness.
3. Energy audits: Request free energy audits from utilities or weatherization agencies to identify efficiency upgrades.
4. Energy education: Participate in CAK workshops covering thermostat management, appliance efficiency, and home safety.
5. Landlord cooperation: Renters should document maintenance issues affecting efficiency. Provide photos and written requests; escalate to local code enforcement if necessary.
6. Community partnerships: Utilize United Way, Salvation Army, and church programs for supplemental aid; bring LIHEAP documents for verification.
7. Emergency planning: Build a small savings reserve for propane or kerosene deliveries and prepare backup heating options (e.g., safe space heaters) with clear safety protocols.

Coordination Opportunities

• Weatherization Assistance Program: Accept energy audits; upgrades lower usage and support long-term affordability.
• Healthy at Home Eviction Relief (if available): Combine with LIHEAP to address rent and utility arrears simultaneously.
• LIHWAP: Apply during the same appointment to resolve water/sewer bills.
• SNAP & WIC: Enrollment frees up cash for energy costs and may accelerate income verification.
• Medicaid Waivers: Care managers can help secure medical necessity forms to prevent disconnections for vulnerable members.
• Workforce supports: Agencies offer job training and financial literacy programs that increase income stability and reduce energy burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do monthly subsidy payments work? Once approved, the agency issues a pledge to your utility for monthly credits. Continue paying any remaining balance to stay current.

Can I receive both subsidy and crisis benefits? Yes. Subsidy reduces ongoing costs, while crisis addresses emergencies. You must meet eligibility for both.

What if I use wood or coal? Provide vendor receipts or invoices. Agencies can issue vouchers or reimbursements based on documented costs.

Do I need to reapply each year? Yes. Even returning households must submit updated applications and documents each season.

Will LIHEAP replace my furnace? If a licensed contractor determines it’s unsafe and beyond repair, agencies may combine LIHEAP, weatherization, and utility funds to replace it. Funding is limited, so apply immediately.

Can LIHEAP help if I move? Inform the agency of your new address. Benefits may transfer to the new utility account, but you must provide documentation quickly.

Troubleshooting & Appeals

• Missed appointments: Call immediately to reschedule. Agencies often allow one reschedule before requiring a new application.
• Documentation delays: If you lack a document (e.g., Social Security card), submit proof of replacement request and ask for temporary acceptance.
• Utility disputes: Document all conversations with customer service. If a pledge isn’t applied, provide the pledge number and ask the agency to re-send.
• Appeals: File a written appeal with the local agency director within 10 days. Escalate to CHFS if unresolved.
• Language/accessibility: Request interpreters, large-print materials, or home visits. Agencies must provide reasonable accommodations.
• Weatherization waitlist: Call monthly to confirm position. Offer to take cancellations for quicker service.

Energy Efficiency Checklist

• Insulate attics, crawl spaces, and ductwork.
• Install weatherstripping, caulk, and door sweeps.
• Replace filters monthly; maintain HVAC systems twice yearly.
• Use programmable thermostats and set-back schedules.
• Seal windows with plastic film during extreme cold.
• Install LED lighting and smart power strips.
• Keep water heater at 120°F and insulate pipes.
• Practice space heater safety: three-foot clearance and automatic shutoff features.

90-Day Action Plan

• Days 1–7: Contact local agency, schedule appointment, gather documents.
• Days 8–21: Complete intake, sign utility release, and request crisis hold if needed.
• Days 22–45: Confirm subsidy posting on bills, attend energy education sessions, and enroll in budget billing.
• Days 46–60: Follow up on weatherization referral, address home repairs, and secure medical certifications if necessary.
• Days 61–90: Build emergency savings, review energy usage, and set calendar reminders for next intake cycle.

Key Resources

• Kentucky LIHEAP – CHFS
• Community Action Kentucky
• Kentucky Weatherization Assistance Program
• Kentucky Utilities/LG&E Assistance Programs
• Kentucky 211 – statewide referral network

Kentucky’s LIHEAP is a comprehensive safety net. By engaging early, maintaining organized documentation, and leveraging monthly subsidies alongside crisis aid, weatherization, and community partnerships, you can turn the program into a year-round strategy that keeps your home safe, warm, and financially sustainable.