How to apply for LIHEAP — Kentucky Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Who it's for

LIHEAP helps low-income Kentucky households pay their home heating costs. It has two main parts: a Subsidy component that gives a one-time heating bill credit (the application period runs in November and December), and a Crisis component that helps households facing a heating emergency such as a disconnect notice or being out of fuel (the application period runs from early January until mid-March, or until funds run out). Eligibility is based on household income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level; there is no age requirement, though the seasonal cooling program, when offered, gives priority to households with a member age 65 or older. The program is funded federally and administered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, but applications are taken by local Community Action Agencies across the state.

What you'll need

• Photo ID for the applicant
• Most recent home heating bill (or proof of heating cost if it's included in rent)
• Proof of income for all household members for the past month
• Social Security numbers for all household members
• Proof of Kentucky residency

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about LIHEAP — Kentucky Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need photo ID for the applicant, most recent home heating bill (or proof of heating cost if it's included in rent), proof of income for all household members for the past month — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your required documents: a photo ID, your most recent home heating bill (or proof that heating costs are included in your rent), proof of income for all household members for the past month, Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof of Kentucky residency.
2. Find your local Community Action Agency, as applications are taken through these local agencies across Kentucky — not directly through the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
3. Choose how you want to apply: submit your application online or call 1-800-456-3452 to apply by phone or get help finding your local agency.
4. Keep the application windows in mind: the Subsidy component (one-time heating bill credit) is open in November and December; the Crisis component (for heating emergencies such as a disconnect notice or being out of fuel) runs from early January until mid-March, or until funds run out.
5. Submit your completed application along with all required documents during the correct application window for the help you need.
6. If you have a heating emergency — such as a disconnect notice or running out of fuel — apply as soon as possible under the Crisis component, since funds are limited and the window closes when they run out.

What to expect: After you submit your application, your local Community Action Agency will review your documents and determine whether you qualify based on household income. Processing times vary, so ask your local agency for an estimate of how long a decision may take. If approved for the Subsidy component, a credit will be applied to your heating bill. If approved for the Crisis component, assistance will be directed toward your heating emergency. Because LIHEAP runs on an annual cycle, you will need to apply again each program year during the appropriate seasonal application window — there is no automatic renewal.

Renewals

annual (apply each program year during the seasonal application window)