Kentucky's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households afford heating and cooling costs. The program is federally funded and administered through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) in partnership with Community Action Kentucky, which distributes funds through a statewide network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) covering all 120 Kentucky counties. For the 2026 program year, the fall heating subsidy pays up to $250, winter crisis assistance pays up to $400, and the spring cooling subsidy pays between $41 and $250. All payments go directly to your utility provider, not to you as cash.
Before getting into the details, you can check whether you qualify for LIHEAP and other programs using the free Benefits Navigator screener.
What Kentucky LIHEAP Covers
Kentucky LIHEAP runs three main components throughout the year:
Fall heating subsidy (November through December) provides a one-time payment toward your heating costs before the peak of winter. This component does not require a disconnection notice or emergency situation. Any eligible household can apply during the open enrollment window on a first-come, first-served basis. Coverage includes electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and other primary heating fuels.
Winter crisis assistance (January through mid-March) is available when your heating service is disconnected or facing imminent disconnection, or your fuel supply is exhausted. This component requires documentation of a crisis situation, such as a shutoff notice or proof that your fuel tank is empty. Benefits are paid directly to your utility or fuel supplier to prevent disconnection or restore service, up to $400 for gas or electric accounts.
Spring cooling subsidy (April through May, when funded) provides a one-time electric benefit to offset cooling costs as summer approaches. For the 2026 program year, the spring subsidy was available from April 20 through May 22, 2026. The cooling benefit ranges from $41 to $250 depending on household size and income. The spring component does not require a disconnect notice. Funding is limited and the window closes once funds are exhausted or the enrollment period ends.
Weatherization referrals connect LIHEAP-eligible households to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which provides free home energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, air sealing, and HVAC upgrades. WAP uses a 200% FPL income threshold, so some households above the LIHEAP limit may still qualify. Your local CAA can screen you for both programs at once.
Kentucky LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
To qualify for Kentucky LIHEAP, your household's gross monthly income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). There is no asset test for most LIHEAP components. However, the standard subsidy component does impose a liquid asset limit of $2,000 (or $4,000 for households with a member facing a catastrophic illness).
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (150% FPL) | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $22,590 | $1,883 |
| 2 people | $30,660 | $2,555 |
| 3 people | $38,730 | $3,228 |
| 4 people | $46,800 | $3,900 |
| 5 people | $54,870 | $4,573 |
| 6 people | $62,940 | $5,245 |
| 7 people | $71,010 | $5,918 |
| 8 people | $79,080 | $6,590 |
For households larger than 8 people, add approximately $8,070 per additional person to the annual limit.
These figures are based on the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Kentucky counts gross household income before taxes. Income sources that count toward the calculation include wages and salaries, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, SSI, SSDI, pensions, unemployment compensation, child support received, veterans benefits, and other regular income. SNAP benefits, one-time tax refunds, and educational grants used for tuition are generally excluded.
Benefit Amounts for 2026
Benefit amounts for the heating subsidy and spring cooling subsidy are calculated based on household size and income. Crisis benefits are calculated based on the minimum amount needed to resolve the crisis, up to the component cap.
Heating Subsidy (November through December)
| Benefit Level | Amount |
|---|
| Minimum heating subsidy | $15 |
| Maximum heating subsidy | $250 |
Winter Crisis Assistance (January through mid-March)
| Benefit Level | Amount |
|---|
| Winter crisis maximum (gas or electric) | $400 |
Spring Cooling Subsidy (April through May, when funded)
| Benefit Level | Amount |
|---|
| Minimum cooling benefit | $41 |
| Maximum cooling benefit | $250 |
Benefits are paid directly to your utility provider or fuel supplier. You do not receive cash. A household may be eligible for both the fall subsidy and winter crisis assistance within the same program year if both situations apply.
Who Qualifies for Kentucky LIHEAP
Your household must meet all of the following to be eligible:
- You are a Kentucky resident at the address where assistance will be applied
- At least one household member is a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
- Your household gross income is at or below 150% FPL
- Your household is responsible for paying home energy costs, either directly to a utility or as part of your rent
Limited asset consideration. Unlike many states, Kentucky's subsidy component does consider liquid assets. Households with more than $2,000 in liquid assets (checking, savings, or similar) generally do not qualify, unless there is a catastrophic illness, in which case the limit is $4,000. The crisis component does not impose an asset test.
Renters qualify. If you pay your own utility bill, you can apply. If utilities are included in your rent, contact your local CAA to discuss options.
Homeowners qualify. There is no requirement to rent rather than own a home.
Priority groups. Kentucky gives priority to households with the lowest incomes relative to energy costs, and to households that include elderly individuals (age 60 or older), people with disabilities, or young children. Since funding is limited and programs run on a first-come, first-served basis, applying early in each enrollment window matters.
Documents You Will Need
Gather these before contacting your local Community Action Agency:
- Photo ID for the applicant (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
- Proof of income for all adult household members for the prior month (pay stubs, Social Security award letters, pension statements, unemployment benefit statements, or most recent tax return)
- Proof of current address (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement)
- Most recent electric bill and heating fuel account statement, with account numbers
- Bank or savings account statements if you have liquid assets (for subsidy component)
For crisis applications: your disconnection notice or shutoff warning from your utility company, or documentation of exhausted fuel supply.
How to Apply for Kentucky LIHEAP: Step-by-Step
CHFS does not accept LIHEAP applications directly. All applications are processed through Community Action Agencies operating in all 120 counties across Kentucky.
Step 1: Find your local Community Action Agency.
Visit Community Action Kentucky at capky.org to find the agency serving your county. You can also call 211 or the CHFS main line at (800) 456-3452 (toll-free) for help finding your local CAA.
Step 2: Confirm the current application window.
The fall heating subsidy opens in November. Winter crisis assistance opens in January. The spring cooling subsidy opens in April when funded. Each component has a separate enrollment window, and funding can run out before the official close date. Contact your local CAA at the start of each component window to confirm whether they are still accepting applications.
Step 3: Choose your application method.
Most Kentucky Community Action Agencies offer several ways to apply:
- In person: Visit your local CAA office (appointments are often required; call ahead)
- Phone: Call your agency to schedule a phone interview or ask about remote document submission
- Online: Some agencies offer online scheduling and application tools; check with your local office
- Mail or drop box: Some offices accept mailed or dropped-off applications
Step 4: Submit your application and documents.
Provide your household size, income details, utility account information, and any crisis documentation if applicable. Submit all required documents at the time of application to avoid delays. Incomplete applications slow processing and may lose funding priority.
Step 5: Wait for a determination.
Processing times vary by agency and time of year. You will receive written notice of approval or denial. If approved, payment goes directly to your utility provider or fuel supplier.
Step 6: Appeal if denied.
You have the right to appeal a denial. Your denial notice will include the reason and instructions for requesting a review. Contact your local CAA or CHFS within the timeframe on your notice.
Other Energy Assistance Programs in Kentucky
LIHEAP covers only a portion of your energy costs. These additional programs can help:
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Free home energy efficiency improvements for households at or below 200% FPL, coordinated through Community Action agencies. WAP can reduce long-term energy costs through insulation, air sealing, and HVAC improvements.
- LG&E and KU Share the Warmth: A charitable assistance program through Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities, available to customers facing hardship. Contact LG&E/KU directly.
- Columbia Gas of Kentucky assistance programs: Columbia Gas offers budget billing, deferred payment plans, and limited low-income assistance for natural gas customers. Contact them directly.
- 2-1-1 Kentucky: Call or text 211 for referrals to local emergency energy assistance programs beyond LIHEAP, including utility-specific funds and nonprofit emergency assistance.
- SNAP: Food assistance for eligible low-income households. Many LIHEAP-eligible households also qualify for SNAP.
- Kentucky Medicaid: Health coverage for eligible low-income individuals and families.
Use the free Benefits Navigator screener to check your eligibility for LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, and more than 11 other programs at once, or visit the Kentucky benefits guide for a full overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum LIHEAP benefit in Kentucky for 2026?
The maximum fall heating subsidy is $250. Winter crisis assistance can provide up to $400 to prevent disconnection or restore heating service. The spring cooling subsidy maximum is also $250. A household can potentially receive the fall subsidy and winter crisis assistance in the same program year if both situations apply.
Does Kentucky LIHEAP cover air conditioning?
Yes, when funding is available. Kentucky offers a spring cooling subsidy each April and May that provides a one-time electric benefit of $41 to $250. The spring component is not always funded every year and depends on available federal dollars. For the 2026 program year, the spring subsidy ran from April 20 through May 22, 2026. Contact your local Community Action Agency each spring to confirm whether the cooling component is active.
What is the income limit for a family of four in Kentucky in 2026?
A family of four must have annual gross income at or below $46,800 (150% FPL) to qualify, or approximately $3,900 per month. The standard subsidy component also has a liquid asset limit of $2,000.
Can renters apply for Kentucky LIHEAP?
Yes. Renters can apply as long as they are responsible for their utility costs. Contact your local Community Action Agency if heat or cooling is included in your rent to find out whether the benefit can still apply in your situation.
Is there an asset limit for Kentucky LIHEAP?
The subsidy component does have a liquid asset limit of $2,000 per household (or $4,000 if a household member has a catastrophic illness). The crisis component does not impose an asset test. These liquid asset limits apply to checking accounts, savings accounts, and similar holdings but generally exclude home equity and retirement accounts.
When does Kentucky LIHEAP accept applications?
The fall heating subsidy opens in November and runs through December. Winter crisis assistance is available January through mid-March. The spring cooling subsidy opens in April and runs through May when funded. Each component is first-come, first-served, and funds often run out before the official end date. Applying at the start of each enrollment period is the best strategy.
What if my utilities have already been shut off?
Contact your local Community Action Agency immediately and ask about winter crisis assistance. Crisis benefits up to $400 are available when your service is disconnected or facing disconnection and are typically processed faster than subsidy applications. Have your disconnection notice ready when you call.
Does Kentucky LIHEAP cover propane or heating oil?
Yes. Kentucky LIHEAP covers electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and other primary heating fuels. Benefits are paid directly to the utility or fuel supplier on your behalf. The crisis maximum of $400 applies to gas or electric accounts; propane and fuel oil situations may be handled differently depending on the local CAA and available funding.
How do I find my local Community Action Agency in Kentucky?
Visit capky.org or call 211 to find the agency serving your county. You can also call CHFS at (800) 456-3452 (toll-free) for assistance.
Can I receive both LIHEAP and SNAP in Kentucky?
Yes. LIHEAP and SNAP are separate programs and you can receive both if you meet each program's requirements. The income thresholds are similar at 150% FPL, so many households that qualify for one also qualify for the other.
