Kentucky River Foothills to Open Crisis Energy Assistance Applications Jan. 6

Karen Atkins |

Kentucky River Foothills Development Council, Inc. will begin accepting applications for crisis energy assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) starting January 6, 2026. Applications will be accepted through March 27, 2026, or until available funds are expended.

The Crisis component of LIHEAP assists households experiencing a home heating emergency. Individuals and households that have already received energy assistance this year may be eligible to receive additional help. Households may reapply each time they experience a qualifying crisis until they reach their maximum allowable benefit.

“Access to heat is essential, especially during the coldest months of the year,” said Karen Atkins, Public Information Officer for Kentucky River Foothills. “This program ensures that families facing a heating emergency can receive timely assistance to stay safe and warm.”

Crisis benefits are paid directly to the household’s primary fuel vendor and may include bulk fuel delivery or assistance with a pending utility disconnection. Crisis relief will be provided within 48 hours, or 18 hours in emergency situations. Benefits cover the minimum needed to resolve the crisis and may not exceed the local cost of a deliverable supply of the household’s primary heating fuel or $400 for gas or electric service. The maximum allowable benefit is determined by the household’s primary fuel type.

Eligibility: Households must meet the following income guidelines based on gross monthly income:

Household Size | Gross Monthly Income
1 | $1,957
2 | $2,644
3 | $3,332
4 | $4,019
5 | $4,707
6 | $5,394
7 | $6,082
8 | $6,769

Add $688 for each additional household member.

A household is considered eligible for LIHEAP when it:

  1. Completes an application;
  2. Is responsible for home energy costs, either directly or as an undesignated portion of rent;
  3. Has a combined household income for the calendar month prior to application that does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level; and
  4. Lives in Kentucky at the time of application and applies in the county of residence.

All assistance provided through LIHEAP must directly address a household’s home heating crisis. Households may not exceed their allowable crisis maximum through combined benefits under the Crisis component.

In addition to meeting income and residency requirements, crisis applicants must be within four days of running out of fuel if their heat source is wood, coal, propane, fuel oil, or kerosene, or must have received a disconnect or past-due notice from their energy provider. Applicants participating in a Pre-Pay Electric Program are eligible if they are within 10 days of running out of pre-paid electric service. If heat is included as an undesignated portion of rent, an eviction notice is required.

Required Documents

  1. Proof of Social Security number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each household member;
  2. Proof of all household income from the preceding month;
  3. The most current heating bill, a landlord statement if heat is included in rent, or a utility statement for Pre-Pay Electric Program participants;
  4. The account name and account number for the primary heating fuel source and electric service.

Applicants requesting assistance for natural gas or electric service must also provide a disconnect or past-due notice, such as a termination notice, final notice, or utility arrearage payment plan balance. Applicants whose rent includes heat must bring a copy of their lease and an eviction notice. Pre-Pay Electric Program participants must provide documentation showing 10 days or less of remaining service.

How to Apply: LIHEAP operates on an appointment-based system. To schedule an appointment, call 859-544-1713 or visit https://foothillscap.itfrontdesk.com.

County contact information:

Clark County: 859-744-3235, [email protected]
Estill County: 606-723-4492, [email protected]
Madison County: 859-623-6514, [email protected]
Powell County: 606-663-2659, [email protected]

Residents outside Kentucky River Foothills’ service area of Clark, Estill, Madison, and Powell counties can locate their local Community Action Agency at https://www.capky.org/network/.

Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies administer LIHEAP in partnership with Community Action Kentucky and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, with funding provided through a block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information, visit www.capky.org