Households facing the loss of heat or other heating emergencies may qualify for assistance through the Crisis component of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, according to Community Action Kentucky.
The program opened Jan. 6 and runs through March 27. It is designed to help households resolve urgent situations such as utility disconnection, dangerously low fuel supplies or eviction due to unpaid heating or electric bills. Assistance may be used for electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood or fuel oil.
Benefits are paid directly to the household’s energy vendor and are limited to the minimum amount necessary to alleviate the crisis. Payments may not exceed the local cost of a deliverable supply of the household’s primary heating fuel or $400 for gas or electric service. Households may reapply each time a heating crisis occurs until they reach the program’s maximum benefit.
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are depleted. Households with income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify. Previous assistance through LIHEAP does not affect eligibility for the Crisis component.
Applicants must provide documentation at the time of application, including proof of Social Security number or permanent residence status for each household member, proof of income for all household members from the preceding month, and a current electric bill or documentation showing that electric service is included in rent or provided through a prepaid program. Applicants must also provide the account name and number for their primary heating fuel source and electric service.
Additional documentation is required for crisis assistance, including a disconnect or past-due notice for natural gas or electric service. Households whose heat is included in rent must provide a copy of their lease and an eviction notice. Participants in prepay electric programs must show proof that they have 10 days or less of remaining service.
Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Funding is provided through a federal block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Households seeking assistance are encouraged to contact their local Community Action Agency office to apply.
In Martin County, visit 387 East Main Street, Suite 203, Inez, or call 606-298-3217 for more information.