Frankfort, Ky – The window opens Monday for low-income families to apply for help with paying their heating bills.
After an unusually warm holiday season, winter’s cold temperatures have arrived in Kentucky. This coming Monday marks the first day low-income families can sign up for help paying their heating bills. The crisis phase of the government’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LIHEAP, is open to families who face having their heat shut off. Pat Niceley, who oversees the program for Community Action Kentucky – the agency which administers the funds – says the emergency money helps some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
| “Older people and families with small children. It’s so vital to keep the heat going”, Niceley states. |
He says to be eligible for assistance, a family’s income has to be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level and they have to have a disconnect notice from their utility company, or if they heat with a bulk fuel, they have to be close to running out.
According to Niceley the average crisis assistance last year was 229 dollars with around 173-thousand households assisted.
| Cut 22204 :09 “Nothing is given directly to the applicants. The funds are paid directly to either the utility company or the propane company.” |
Niceley says the program will last through March 31st or until all funds are expended. Community Action has offices in all 120 counties. (For more information, call 800-456-3452)
(Source Credit: Kentucky News Connection)