Kentucky's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling costs. If you're struggling to keep up with utility bills, you may qualify for up to $400 in crisis assistance or a regular subsidy payment that goes directly to your energy provider. The program is federally funded and administered locally through Community Action Agencies across the state.
What Is Kentucky LIHEAP?
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides energy cost assistance to eligible low-income Kentucky households. Benefits are paid directly to your utility company or fuel supplier, not to you personally. The program covers heating costs in the fall and winter, cooling assistance in the warmer months, and emergency crisis help when your heat or electricity is at risk of being shut off.
Kentucky LIHEAP is managed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) and delivered by a network of local Community Action Agencies. The program serves approximately 150,000 Kentucky families each year.
Kentucky LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
To qualify for the regular LIHEAP subsidy, your household's gross income must fall at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The crisis component uses 130% FPL as its threshold.
150% FPL Income Limits (Regular Subsidy) -- 2026
| Household Size | Annual Gross Income Limit | Monthly Gross 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.
Gross income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, disability payments, pensions, unemployment benefits, and most other regular income before taxes.
Note: Households already receiving SNAP, SSI, or TANF benefits are automatically income-eligible for LIHEAP. No separate income documentation is required for these households.
Asset Limits
Kentucky has no asset limit for LIHEAP. However, households may not have liquid assets (cash, savings accounts) exceeding $2,000. If a household member has a catastrophic illness and those assets are being used for medical and living expenses, the limit rises to $4,000.
Kentucky LIHEAP Benefit Amounts 2026
Benefit amounts depend on your household size, income level, and which component of the program you're applying for.
| Component | Benefit Range |
|---|
| Heating Subsidy | $134 to $250 |
| Cooling Subsidy | $41 to $250 |
| Winter Crisis Assistance | Up to $400 |
The Spring Subsidy (open through May 22, 2026) provides a one-time electric benefit of $41 to $250 depending on household size and income. Payments go directly to your utility company, not to you.
Crisis assistance covers the minimum amount needed to address the emergency, such as restoring service or preventing a shutoff. For deliverable fuels like propane or heating oil, the benefit typically covers one local delivery.
Kentucky LIHEAP Program Types and Dates
Kentucky LIHEAP operates in multiple components throughout the year:
Heating Subsidy
Runs November through December each year. Helps households cover heating costs. Income limit is 150% FPL. No emergency required to apply.
Winter Crisis Assistance
Available from early January through late March (January 6 to March 27, 2026). For households facing an imminent loss of heating, including those with a disconnect notice, low fuel supply, or a broken heating system. Income limit is 130% FPL.
Spring/Summer Cooling Subsidy
The Spring Subsidy ran April 20 through May 22, 2026. A Summer Cooling component is offered when additional federal funds are available, typically running May through September. Provides electric bill assistance.
Funding is limited and programs close when funds run out. Apply as early as possible once your application window opens.
Who Gets Priority?
Kentucky LIHEAP prioritizes households with members who are:
- Age 60 or older
- Disabled or receiving disability benefits
- Children under age 6
These households are often processed first when applications exceed available funding.
Documents Required to Apply
Gather these items before your appointment or application submission:
- Proof of identity for all household members (Social Security cards, photo ID, or birth certificates)
- Proof of income for the prior month: recent pay stubs, Social Security award letter, disability statement, unemployment documentation, or pension records
- Current utility bill showing your account number and name on the account, including your electric bill and any other heating fuel accounts
- Proof of address: a piece of unopened mail, lease agreement, deed, or property tax bill
- For crisis applications: a disconnect notice or documentation of low fuel supply (though this is not required for the regular subsidy)
- Permanent Residence card if any household member is not a U.S. citizen
You do not need a past-due bill or a shutoff notice to apply for the regular subsidy.
How to Apply for Kentucky LIHEAP in 2026
LIHEAP in Kentucky is not applied for online through a statewide portal. Applications are submitted in person or by phone through your local Community Action Agency.
Step 1: Find your local agency
Visit capky.org and enter your county to find the Community Action Agency serving your area. Each county has a designated agency.
Step 2: Call ahead or schedule an appointment
Many agencies require appointments. Call your local office to check availability and confirm what documents you need to bring. Some offices also accept walk-in applications.
Step 3: Gather your documents
Collect proof of identity, income records, and your most recent utility bills before your appointment.
Step 4: Submit your application
Meet with a caseworker who will review your documentation and determine your eligibility. If approved, the agency notifies your utility company or fuel supplier directly.
Step 5: Benefit delivery
Approved benefits are paid to your energy provider, not to you. Your account will be credited or a payment will be issued to prevent shutoff or cover costs. Delivery times vary by agency.
Some counties also offer phone or mail applications for elderly or disabled applicants who cannot travel to an office. Ask your local agency about alternative application methods.
Weatherization Assistance
Separate from direct bill payments, Kentucky also offers the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). This program provides free home improvements to permanently reduce energy costs, including:
- Insulation in attics, walls, and floors
- Air sealing to reduce drafts
- Heating system repair or replacement
- Energy-efficient window upgrades
- Safety inspections
WAP income eligibility is set at 200% FPL, which is higher than regular LIHEAP. Applications are submitted through the same Community Action Agency network. Weatherization work is done at no cost to you and can significantly lower your utility bills long-term.
Other Kentucky Energy Assistance Programs
If you do not qualify for LIHEAP or need additional help, several other programs may cover energy costs:
- Kentucky Utilities and LG&E Heating Assistance: Utility-specific assistance programs for customers of LG&E and Kentucky Utilities. Contact your utility directly to ask about hardship funds or payment plans.
- SNAP: If you receive SNAP, you automatically qualify for LIHEAP. Check your SNAP eligibility if you are not yet enrolled.
- Social Security/SSI: SSI recipients are automatically income-eligible for LIHEAP.
- Duke Energy Bill Assistance: Duke Energy offers a low-income assistance program for residential customers in Kentucky. Contact Duke Energy at the number on your bill.
Check Your Eligibility
Not sure which programs you qualify for? Use our free benefits screener to check eligibility for LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, and more at once. It takes about five minutes and covers all Kentucky programs.
Check Your Kentucky Benefits Eligibility
You can also browse all Kentucky assistance programs at our Kentucky benefits page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Kentucky LIHEAP in 2026?
The income limit for the regular LIHEAP subsidy is 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a single person, that is $22,590 per year or $1,883 per month. For a family of four, the limit is $46,800 per year or $3,900 per month. The Winter Crisis component uses a slightly lower threshold of 130% FPL.
How much money can I get from Kentucky LIHEAP?
Regular heating subsidy payments range from $134 to $250. Cooling assistance ranges from $41 to $250. Crisis assistance can go up to $400. Benefit amounts depend on your household size, income level, and the current component you apply under. Payments go directly to your energy provider.
Do I have to have a past-due bill to apply?
No. You do not need a disconnect notice or past-due balance to apply for the regular heating or cooling subsidy. The Winter Crisis component does require documentation of a heating emergency, such as a shutoff notice or dangerously low fuel supply.
Where do I apply for LIHEAP in Kentucky?
Applications are submitted through local Community Action Agencies. Visit capky.org to find the agency serving your county. There is no single statewide online application portal.
Does Kentucky LIHEAP have an asset limit?
There is no general asset limit. However, liquid assets (cash, savings) cannot exceed $2,000 for most households. If a household member has a catastrophic illness and is using those funds for medical and living expenses, the limit is $4,000.
I receive SNAP. Do I still need to prove income for LIHEAP?
No. Households already receiving SNAP, SSI, or TANF are automatically considered income-eligible for LIHEAP. You still need to provide documentation like your utility bill and proof of identity, but separate income verification is not required.
When does Kentucky LIHEAP open for the next heating season?
The regular heating subsidy typically opens in November. The Winter Crisis component runs from early January through late March. Apply as soon as your local agency begins accepting applications, since funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can renters apply for LIHEAP in Kentucky?
Yes. Renters can apply as long as they pay utility costs directly. If utilities are included in your rent, you may still qualify if you can show that your rent is higher because of energy costs. Ask your local agency about documentation for this situation.
What if I use propane or heating oil instead of natural gas?
LIHEAP covers all primary heating fuel types in Kentucky, including propane, heating oil, natural gas, electricity, and wood. For deliverable fuels like propane or oil, the benefit is typically applied toward one delivery during the benefit period.
