Energy Assistance

Our Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides vital support for eligible households struggling with energy bills. LIHEAP operates through two main components:

Subsidy Component

• Assists low-income residents with home heating costs in November and December.
• Eligible applicants receive a one-time subsidy benefit based on income guidelines.

Crisis Component

• Provides assistance for households facing imminent heating crises, typically from January through March.
• Eligibility criteria include basic LIHEAP requirements and specific crisis situations.  A household is considered to be in a home heating crisis if:
  • It is within four days of running out of fuel if using bulk fuel (coal, fuel oil, propane, kerosene, or wood) for heating.
  • It has received a past due or disconnect notice if natural gas or electric is the heat source.
  • Its home heating costs are included as an un-designated portion of the rent, and the household has received an eviction notice for non-payment of rent from the landlord.

Both homeowners and renters responsible for their heating bills with a low or fixed income are eligible.

To qualify for energy assistance, households must meet the following basic eligibility criteria:

• Complete an application.
• Be responsible for home energy costs, either directly or as an un-designated portion of rent.
• Have a combined household income not exceeding 150% of the federal poverty level for the calendar month prior to the application.
• Reside in Kentucky and apply in the county of residence.
• Have liquid resources not exceeding $2,000 ($3,000 if at least one household member is 60 or older or disabled), except in cases of catastrophic illness where resources for medical and living expenses may reach $4,000.

Additionally, crisis applicants must be within four days of depleting fuel, have received a disconnect or past due notice from the vendor, or have received an eviction notice for non-payment from a landlord when heating costs are included in rent.

Subsidy applicants are required to submit:

• Your most recent heating bill or documentation indicating heating expenses are part of your rent.
• A metered utility bill (such as for natural gas, electric, or water) to verify your address.
• Social Security cards or Permanent Residence cards (Green Cards) for all household members.
• Verification of income for all household members from the previous month.

For Crisis applicants, the following documents are necessary:

• A disconnect or past-due notice (if seeking aid for natural gas or electric).
• An eviction notice from your landlord (if utilities are covered in your rent).
• A metered utility bill if seeking assistance for propane, kerosene, wood, or coal.
• Social Security cards or Permanent Residence cards (Green Cards) for all household members.
• Verification of income for all household members from the previous month.

To schedule your LIHEAP appointment, please call (859) 544-1713 or visit https://foothillscap.itfrontdesk.com

If you’re unable to apply in person, you can authorize someone else to apply on your behalf. Contact KRFDC for assistance in this case.

Qualified participants will receive an energy assistance voucher that covers electric, gas, kerosene, propane, or wood services.  These vouchers will be paid directly to the primary or secondary heating fuel vendor.  The benefit amount depends on the household’s poverty level and heating fuel type. All eligible households will receive assistance until LIHEAP funds are depleted. Note: LIHEAP assistance availability is subject to change.

Clark County
Rae Jean Miller
32 Meadow Street
Winchester, KY 40391
(859) 744-3235
Office hours M-F, 8 am-4 pm

Estill County 
Elisha Shepherd
100 Tyler Lane
Irvine, KY 40336
(606) 723-4492
Office hours M-F, 8 am-4 pm

Madison County
Cecily Sears
311 Spangler Drive
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 623-6514
Office hours M-F, 8 am-4 pm

Powell County
Shalyn Owsley
245 7th Avenue
Clay City, KY 40312
(606) 663-2659
Office hours M-F, 8 am-4 pm