Crisis Energy Assistance Program Begins January 7

Karen Atkins |

Kentucky River Foothills Development Council (KRFDC) will begin accepting applications for the Crisis component of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) starting January 7. The program, which assists households experiencing a home heating crisis, will remain open until March 15, 2025, or until available funds are exhausted. Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure timely assistance.

“As we enter the colder months, it’s vital that those facing home heating challenges reach out for support,” said Karen Atkins, public information officer at KRFDC. “This program ensures that no one has to face the harsh winter without the warmth and safety they deserve. Our team is here to help, and we encourage those who qualify to apply as soon as possible.”

The Crisis LIHEAP program provides financial support to households facing heating emergencies, such as the risk of fuel depletion, disconnection of utility services, or eviction due to non-payment of heating-related rent. Individuals and families who have already received assistance for heating this year may apply again if they encounter another crisis situation, as long as they haven’t reached their maximum benefit.

Crisis benefits are paid directly to the primary fuel vendor and may include bulk fuel deliveries or assistance with pending utility disconnections. Benefits are provided within 48 hours, or within 18 hours in emergency cases, and are designed to cover the minimum needed to resolve the situation, up to a maximum of $400 for gas or electric.

Eligibility requirements
To qualify for LIHEAP Crisis assistance, applicants must:

  • Complete an application for assistance.
  • Be responsible for home energy costs or have them included as part of rent.
  • Have a combined household income not exceeding 150% of the federal poverty level for the month prior to the application.
  • Reside in Kentucky at the time of the application and apply in the county of residence.

Only those with a past-due balance, disconnect notice, or eviction notice due to heating-related non-payment are eligible for Crisis assistance.

Required documentation
Applicants must provide:

  • A disconnect or past-due notice for natural gas or electric service.
  • An eviction notice if utilities are included in rent.
  • A utility bill for propane, kerosene, wood, or coal.
  • Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence Card for each household member.
  • Proof of income for all household members for the previous month.

How to apply
Appointments for assistance can be scheduled by calling 859-544-1713 or visiting https://foothillscap.itfrontdesk.com.

Residents may contact their local outreach offices for more information:

For those outside KRFDC’s service area in Clark, Estill, Madison, and Powell counties, please visit Community Action Kentucky to locate your local agency.

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