CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
INEZ — Families can get help staying warm this winter through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Fall Subsidy program, with enrollment running Nov. 5 through Dec. 20.
Assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.
The Fall Subsidy program helps households offset heating costs across a variety of fuel types, including electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood and fuel oil. Unlike some assistance programs, the Fall Subsidy does not require applicants to have a disconnect notice, overdue bill or eviction notice to qualify.
Eligible households can receive a one-time benefit based on factors such as income level, housing type and fuel source. The benefit is paid directly to the household’s energy provider, allowing it to be applied as a credit to the household’s account.
Past LIHEAP benefits do not impact eligibility for this cycle.
The income eligibility threshold is 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Interested applicants must apply at their local Community Action Agency office.
Applicants must bring the following documents:
- 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 electricity is included in your rent, or statement from the utility company if you participate in a prepaid electric program.
- The account number and name on the account for the main heating fuel sources and electric bill.
BSACAP has offices in Martin, Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin and Pike counties. The address and phone number for each location are as follows:
- Martin County – 387 East Main Street, Inez. 606-298-3217
- Floyd County – 60 Court Street, Allen. 606-874-3595
- Johnson County – 230 Court Street, Paintsville. 606-789-3641
- Magoffin County- 862 Parkway Drive, Salyersville. 606-349-2217
- Pike County 478 Town Mountain Road, Pikeville. 606-432-2775
To locate your local BSACAP office, call 800-456-3452 or visit capky.org/network.
Winter Crisis applications open Jan. 7
A separate Winter Crisis component of LIHEAP, designed to address emergency heating needs, will be available from Jan. 7 through March 15, 2025. This program provides the minimum amount required to resolve a heating crisis up to a set maximum.
Households seeking electric or natural gas assistance through the Winter Crisis component must show a disconnect notice or past-due statement, a lease or eviction notice if heating is included in rent, or documentation indicating 10 or fewer days of prepaid electricity. Households may reapply as needed, up to the maximum benefit.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services provides funding for LIHEAP through a block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.