The winter is around the corner, and low-income residents in Jefferson County, Kentucky, have the opportunity to apply for assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
LIHEAP has already provided support to over 6,000 households, offering crucial heating and water assistance. To qualify, applicants must be Jefferson County residents with an income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Next, you’ll find how the application process goes.
Who Qualifies for LIHEAP Funds in Louisville, KY?
Residents need to provide identification, Social Security cards for all household members, and proof of last month’s income, along with heating and water bills. The fall subsidy program under LIHEAP concludes on December 15th, or until the allocated funding is depleted. Brandon O’Neal, LIHEAP’s Supervisor with six years of experience, notes an increased demand for assistance this year.
“Oftentimes people come in trying to decide whether they want to pay for their bills or their medication,” said O’Neal. “Serious things, right? And they want to keep their heat on, and they want to keep their food cold. So, utilizing that program has been paramount in terms of helping our people.”
To be eligible for assistance, individuals must be Jefferson County residents with incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Approved applicants can utilize the subsidy phase between November and December. For those who have already accessed assistance during this period, a crisis phase begins in January, allowing for additional support.
LIHEAP emphasizes the importance of bringing required documents to the application, including ID, Social Security cards, proof of last month’s income, and heating and water bills. Appointments can be booked at one of the seven LIHEAP office locations throughout Louisville by visiting www.Louisvilleky.cascheduler.com or calling 502-991-8391.
Apply for LIHEAP Before the Time Runs Out
Clients or their authorized representatives are required to allocate 30-60 minutes for the processing of applications and must remain on-site to sign the finalized application.
During a single appointment, eligible households can apply for either or both the LIHEAP Subsidy and the MSD’s Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP). These appointments are prearranged using our automated scheduling system.
To potentially qualify for the Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP) with an MSD discount, it is advisable to submit your LIHEAP documentation along with your MSD bill. Ensure you obtain a confirmation number at the end of the appointment booking process to confirm your scheduled appointment; failure to complete the entire process may result in the loss of your appointment. Remember to review the necessary documentation required for your appointment, and note that having a scheduled appointment doesn’t prevent utility disconnection. Stay in contact with your utility provider to arrange payments.
If unable to apply in person, individuals can authorize a representative by providing a dated, signed note granting permission and including required documentation and the representative’s ID. Have paper, pen, utility account numbers, last four digits of your social security number, and date of birth ready for appointment scheduling.
Program eligibility depends on program calendars, fund availability, appointment availability, verifiable household income, and family size, and clients are served on a first-come, first-served basis.