LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE
About LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible low-income households pay their home energy bills. Administered locally by Harlan County Community Action Agency (HCCAA), LIHEAP provides two types of assistance: regular subsidy payments to help with seasonal heating and cooling costs, and crisis assistance for households facing immediate energy emergencies such as utility shutoffs or running out of fuel.
The program serves as a vital safety net for families struggling to afford basic energy needs, helping ensure that vulnerable populations - including seniors, disabled individuals, and families with young children - can maintain safe, warm homes during Kentucky's harsh winters and stay cool during hot summers.
Services Available Through LIHEAP
Harlan County CAA will assist clients with the following services:
You can read more about the eligibility requirements and how to apply in this page.
LIHEAP Subsidy Program
Program Overview
The LIHEAP subsidy component provides assistance to all eligible households with home heating costs. Applications must be made during the period of November through December each year. Applications are taken in alphabetical order based on the first letter of the head of household's last name.
Benefits Provided
The benefit amount that a household receives is based on their level of poverty and the type of fuel used for heating. Households with the lowest incomes that use the fuel with the highest heating season costs will receive the highest benefit. All eligible households will receive a benefit. Benefits are provided in the form of vouchers made payable to the household's primary or secondary heating fuel vendor.
Required Documentation
Please bring the following information on your assigned day:
-
Your most recent heating bills or verification from your landlord that heating expenses are included in your rent
-
Social Security card or Permanent Resident card for everyone living in your household
-
Proof of your household's income for the preceding month
Recent Program Statistics
2020 LIHEAP Subsidy:
-
Clients Served: 845
2020 LIHEAP Summer Cooling Subsidy:
-
Clients Served: 838
2020 LIHEAP Spring Subsidy:
-
Clients Served: 702
🚨 LIHEAP Crisis Program
Program Overview
The LIHEAP crisis component provides assistance to all eligible households experiencing a home heating crisis. Applications must be made during the period of January through March or until available funds have been expended.
Benefits Provided
Benefits are limited to the amount necessary to relieve the crisis, with the maximum amount not to exceed the community action agency's local cost for a deliverable supply of the household's primary heating fuel or $400 for natural gas or electric.
Benefits may include:
-
Fuel deliveries
-
Service reconnection
-
Blankets or sleeping bags
-
Loan of space heaters
-
Emergency shelter
Crisis relief will be provided within 48 hours, or 18 hours if it's an emergency.
Required Documentation
Please bring the following information on your assigned day:
-
Your most recent heating bills or verification from your landlord that heating expenses are included in your rent
-
Social Security card or Permanent Resident card for everyone living in your household
-
Proof of all household income for the preceding month
-
For natural gas or electric: Must bring a disconnect/past due notice (examples: past due notice, termination notice, final notice)
-
For renters whose rent includes heat: Must bring an eviction notice from the landlord
Crisis Program Additional Requirements
For crisis assistance, households must also meet one of the following:
-
Within 4 days of running out of fuel if wood, coal, propane, fuel oil, or kerosene is the heat source
-
Received a disconnect/past due notice from the vendor (examples: past due notice, termination notice, final notice)
-
Pre-Pay Electric Program participants: Must be within 10 days of running out of pre-paid electric services
-
Renters with energy costs included in rent: Must have an eviction notice
Recent Crisis Program Statistics
2020 LIHEAP Summer Cooling Crisis:
-
Clients Served: 916
2020 LIHEAP Crisis:
-
Clients Served: 1,650
LIHEAP Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for LIHEAP assistance, households must meet the following requirements:
-
Household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines relative to household size
-
Must be responsible for home heating costs OR pay heating costs as an undesignated portion of rent
-
Must not have in excess of $2,000 in liquid resources OR
-
$3,000 if at least one person in the household is age 60 or older and/or disabled OR
-
$4,000 for households where a member has a catastrophic illness and resources are being accessed for medical and living expenses
-
Crisis Program Additional Requirements
In addition to the general eligibility requirements listed above, crisis assistance applicants must also meet one of the following criteria below:
-
Within 4 days of running out of fuel if wood, coal, propane, fuel oil, or kerosene is the heat source
-
Received a disconnect/past due notice from the vendor (examples: past due notice, termination notice, final notice)
-
Pre-Pay Electric Program participants: Must be within 10 days of running out of pre-paid electric services
-
Renters with energy costs included in rent: Must have an eviction notice
How to Apply
Call us by phone to make an appointment at (606) 573-5335
Appointments:
-
Applications are processed in alphabetical order by the first letter of the head of household's last name
-
Bring all required documentation on your assigned appointment day
Application Periods:
-
Subsidy Program: November through December annually
-
Crisis Program: January through March annually (or until funds are exhausted)
