Funds Available to Help with Water and Summer Cooling Bills

Karen Atkins |

Beginning July 25, Kentucky River Foothills Development Council, Inc. will be accepting applications for the Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) and Summer Cooling portion of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Applications can be made through September 22, 2023, or until available funds have been expended.

LIHWAP Subsidy
LIHWAP is an emergency assistance program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act provides water and wastewater assistance through various components until funding is exhausted. Water and/or wastewater assistance can be provided with or without a disconnect notice.  Households can receive a one-time water/wastewater service benefit ranging from $50 to $100 depending on housing category, to offset the cost of their household’s water or wastewater services. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s water service vendor.

LIHEAP Subsidy
LIHEAP is designed to help offset the cost of higher electric bills. Applications will be accepted during the enrollment period, or until designated funds are depleted on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Eligible households can apply for a one-time benefit, ranging from $50 to $250, depending on housing category and income level to offset the cost of their household’s electric services. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s electric vendor.

Income eligibility for both programs is up to and including 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Eligibility
Household income must be at or below the following, relative to household size:

Household Size                 Gross Monthly Income
1                                          $1,823
2                                          $2,465
3                                          $3,108
4                                          $3,750
5                                          $4,393
6                                          $5,035
7                                          $5,678
8                                          $6,320

*Add $643 for each additional family member.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Eligible households can apply for one or both programs and participation in prior programs will not affect a household’s eligibility. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income guidelines.

Applicants must provide the following:

  1. Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
  2. Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month.
  3. Most current water service bill (water and/or wastewater), including account number and name on account, statement from your landlord if water service expenses are included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Program is applying for LIHWAP.
  4. Most current electric bill, statement from your landlord if electric is included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program if applying for LIHEAP.  The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.

HOW TO APPLY
LIHWAP and LIHEAP operate on an appointment-based system. You can schedule your appointment by calling 859-544-1713 or online at https://foothillscap.itfrontdesk.com

Requests for assistance can be made by contacting:
Clark Co: 859-744-235, email [email protected]
Estill Co: 606-723-4492, email [email protected]
Madison Co: 859-623-6514, email [email protected]
Powell Co: 606-663-2659, email [email protected]

Residents outside KRFDC’s service region of Clark, Estill, Madison and Powell counties can find their community action agency here: https://www.capky.org/network/

LIHWAP and LIHEAP are statewide initiatives sponsored by Community Action Kentucky Inc. in partnership with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) and is directly funded by the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.