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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Governor Beshear Announces Energy Assistance for Colder Months
Federally funded program helps families in heating crisis
FRANKFORT, Ky.– Governor Steve Beshear today announced that Kentucky families who need help paying for heat during winter’s colder months can apply for assistance this month.
The assistance is part of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“Home heating in the winter is essential, and now is the time to plan for the worst of the cold weather,” Gov. Beshear said. “Kentucky families facing a crisis can apply for energy assistance so they can make ends meet and keep warm.”
This fiscal year, HHS has released more than $2.7 billion for LIHEAP, which helps families pay their energy bills, particularly during the very cold and hot months.
Kentucky received $34 million for LIHEAP’s cooling and heating programs this fiscal year. A portion of that money – about $11.8 million -- is available now for families facing a home-heating emergency.
In Kentucky, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) administers the LIHEAP program through a contract with Community Action Kentucky (CAK), which disburses benefits through Community Action Agencies (CAA) across the state. Every county has at least one staffed CAA office.
LIHEAP’s first winter funding phase, for all eligible families who need heating assistance, ended in December.
The program’s crisis phase, for families facing a home-heating emergency, began on Jan. 4 and ends March 31, or when funding runs out.
CHFS Secretary Janie Miller said that low-income families are especially vulnerable to higher costs when their energy use increases in the winter.
“With colder months coming, it’s reassuring to know families facing financial emergencies can access this crisis funding,” she said.
Miller also praised the partnerships that ensure the funding goes to the Kentuckians who need it.
“Cabinet and CAA staff does a wonderful job administering this program to help offset seasonal energy costs for low-income families so they have more of their income for other basic needs," she said.
Miller said the eligible households that can benefit most – seniors, the disabled and families with young children – are particularly encouraged to take advantage of LIHEAP assistance.
LIHEAP is a short-term aid program available to clients at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For example, a family of four must have a monthly income of no more than $2,389.
Families applying at their CAAs during the crisis component must bring a past due or disconnect notice from their utility provider.
For more information about applying for LIHEAP, go to http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dfs/LIHEAP.htm. Or visit www.communityactionky.org or call (800) 456-3452 to find a local CAA.
To learn more about other family assistance programs, log on to chfs.ky.gov/.
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