Kentucky Heating Oil Assistance Available Nov. 1
Kentucky is gearing up to keep its residents (but maybe not its state bird, the cardinal) warm this winter. (image: cleveland.com)
Beginning November 1, the Kentucky River Foothills Development Council Inc. will be taking applications for heating assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federal program administered by the states, and in Kentucky is sponsored by the Kentucky Association of Community Action Inc. in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
The Kentucky River Foothills Development Council was awarded $457,108 to help residents who live in Madison, Clark, Estill, and Powell counties.
“We are seeing more and more people who have never applied for heating assistance before,” said April Stone, director of community and health services for Kentucky River Foothills Development Council Inc. She added that Kentucky received its highest LIHEAP funding in 2008.
Energy bill assistance is available to senior citizens on fixed incomes, those experiencing short-term financial difficulties, and low-income households. The assistance amount for each household will be based on the level of poverty and the type of fuel used for heating. Eligible participants can apply for assistance to help with energy costs through Dec. 11.
For those whose heating bills range from $800 to $1,000, the LIHEAP assistance may not be enough. If people own their own homes, Stone said, they may be eligible for additional assistance from the Kentucky Weatherization Assistance Program to increase energy efficiency in their home.
While LIHEAP is a federally funded program, each state has different income qualifications. As in Kentucky, residents in many states may need more than LIHEAP to manage their heating costs. Fortunately, states have increases spending on energy efficiency and weatherization programs, giving consumers more tools to fight high heating bills.
