LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Enrollment for heating and electricity assistance starts on Tuesday, but those in need should act fast, support is based on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will assist individuals at risk of losing access to heating during the cold months.

According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, around 150,000 Kentucky families receive help paying their heating bills each winter.

Who is eligible for LIHEAP energy assistance?

To qualify for the program, applicants must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. In Kentucky, this is $36,075 for a family of four.

A person who participates in certain other support programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, automatically meets the eligibility requirement.

Someone who has previously received help from LIHEAP is not disqualified from future assistance.

How to apply for LIHEAP energy assistance?

People can apply through their local Community Action Agency office. People in Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison, and Nicholas counties can apply at the Community Action Council on 719 West High St. in Lexington. Many locations will ask you to schedule an appointment.

All applicants are required to provide the following documentation at the time of application:

• Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence Card (Green Card) for each household member.
• Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month.
• The account number and name on the account for the main heating fuel sources and electric bill.
• Most current heating bill, a statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent, or a statement from a utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
  • Applicants requesting assistance for natural gas or electricity must bring a disconnect or past-due notice (for example: an arrearage payment plan, past-due notice, termination notice, or final notice). If your rent includes heat you must bring a copy of your lease and eviction notice. Applicants who participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program must bring a statement from the utility company that shows they have 10 days or less of prepaid electric service.

Crisis benefits cover the minimum needed to alleviate the crisis but cannot exceed the Community Action Agency’s local cost for a deliverable supply of the household’s primary heating fuel or $400 for gas or electricity.

Households can reapply each time they experience a crisis situation until they reach their maximum benefit.

To apply to the program, reach out to the Community Action Agency office in your area.