Low Income Energy Assistance Program Begins November 4th

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Community Action of Southern Kentucky will begin the “Subsidy” portion of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that provides heating assistance to eligible households on November 4, 2019. The significant cost of energy to heat homes leaves many households unable to fully meet heating bills or purchase sufficient bulk fuel to keep their families safe and warm. Community Action of Southern Kentucky stands ready to help.

According to Community Action, Last year, 199 households of Edmonson County received financial assistance from the LIHEAP Subsidy component.

A household shall be considered to be eligible for LIHEAP subsidy when the household meets the basic eligibility criteria: 

• Makes and completes an application

• Be responsible for home energy costs, directly or as an undesignated portion of their  rent;

• Have a combined household income, for the calendar month prior to the month of application, not in excess of 130% of the federal poverty level as listed in the Income Eligibility Guidelines;
• Live in Kentucky when the application is made and apply in the county of residence; and
• Not have liquid resources in excess of $2,000 or $3,000 if at least one person in the household is 60 years old or disabled, ($4,000 if resources are being used for living expenses due to catastrophic illness).

Applications will be taken in alphabetic order based on the first letter of the head of household’s last name at convenient Community Action offices, where applicants may also pick up the letter day schedule. Applicants must bring the following information to apply:

1. Most recent heating bill or verification from landlord that the heating expenses are included in rent
2. Social Security card or Permanent Resident card (Green Card) for each member of the household. 
3. Proof of household (all members) income for the preceding month.

Applicants are encouraged to apply at the location nearest to them in their county of residence. Days, hours of operation, locations and telephone numbers are listed below:

Edmonson County Community Service Office
108 North Main Street, Brownsville, KY 42210 
Ph: 270-597-3912     Fax: 270-597-9742

Monday         8:00 – 4:00
Tuesday         8:00 – 5:00
Wednesday   8:00 – 4:00
Thursday        8:00 – 4:00
Friday             8:00 – 4:00
    

The benefit amount that each household receives will be based on its level of poverty and the type of fuel used for heating. All eligible households will receive a benefit, although the benefit amount may not pay the household’s entire fuel bill. Benefits will be made payable to the household’s primary or secondary heating fuel vendor. For more information, go to www.casoky.org.

LIHEAP is a statewide initiative sponsored by Community Action Kentucky in partnership with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).