The fall application period for the federal Low-Income Home Assistance Energy Program, also known as LIHEAP, starts November 5.
LIHEAP helps those living at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty rate pay their heating bills.
That comes as a one-time payment per season to each household’s energy provider. The amount depends on the type of housing, type of fuel and income level.
Rick Baker is the President of Community Action Kentucky, which manages the program. He says applicants have to be directly responsible for their heating bills.
“That can be that they rent and then they pay their own utilities, or it's in what they call an ‘undesignated portion’ of their rent,” Baker said. “They can also live in subsidized housing, and they do receive a significantly reduced amount in the subsidized housing.”
Anyone who meets the requirements can apply by reaching out to their local Community Action agency.
“There's 120 offices, one in your county,” Baker said. “They're easily found online, on Facebook, on the Internet. We do have a website at capky.org, where people can find out exactly where to contact their local agency, and they can tell you exactly what you need to bring in for documentation.”
A second application period for those experiencing emergency situations like a utility disconnect can also apply for more funding in January.
More information about the LIHEAP program is available here.
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