Kentucky's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. For the 2025-2026 program year, most households must earn at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to qualify. For a family of four, that works out to $49,500 per year or $4,125 per month. If your household is near that threshold, you may be closer to qualifying than you think.
This guide covers the exact income limits by household size, what benefits are available, who qualifies, and how to apply through your local Community Action Agency.
Kentucky LIHEAP Income Limits for 2026
Kentucky sets its LIHEAP income threshold at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level for heating, cooling, and crisis assistance. Weatherization assistance uses a higher threshold of 200% FPL.
The table below shows the 2026 income limits based on current HHS poverty guidelines.
Heating, Cooling, and Crisis Assistance (150% FPL)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $23,940 | $1,995 |
| 2 people | $32,460 | $2,705 |
| 3 people | $40,980 | $3,415 |
| 4 people | $49,500 | $4,125 |
| 5 people | $58,020 | $4,835 |
| 6 people | $66,540 | $5,545 |
| 7 people | $75,060 | $6,255 |
| 8 people | $83,580 | $6,965 |
For households larger than 8 people, add approximately $8,520 per additional person (150% of the $5,680 per-person increment in the 2026 FPL guidelines).
Weatherization Assistance (200% FPL)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $31,920 | $2,660 |
| 2 people | $43,280 | $3,607 |
| 3 people | $54,640 | $4,553 |
| 4 people | $66,000 | $5,500 |
| 5 people | $77,360 | $6,447 |
| 6 people | $88,720 | $7,393 |
These figures are based on the 2026 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines published in January 2026 for the 48 contiguous states. Alaska and Hawaii have separate, higher poverty guidelines.
Note on the Fall Subsidy Component
The fall subsidy component of Kentucky LIHEAP -- which runs in November and December -- uses a lower threshold of 130% FPL. That works out to roughly $20,748 per year for a single person and $42,900 for a family of four. Households above 130% FPL but below 150% FPL may still qualify for crisis and cooling assistance.
What Income Counts Toward the Limit?
Kentucky LIHEAP counts gross income, meaning your total income before taxes are withheld. The following types of income are included:
- Wages and salaries (full-time, part-time, or seasonal)
- Self-employment income
- Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Pension and retirement income
- Unemployment compensation
- Child support and alimony received
- Veterans benefits
- Rental income
Income that is typically excluded includes one-time gifts, certain tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, and some types of student financial aid. If you are unsure whether a specific income source counts, your local Community Action Agency can clarify during the application.
Asset Limits
In addition to the income test, Kentucky LIHEAP has a liquid asset limit. Households may not have more than $2,000 in liquid resources such as checking and savings accounts. The limit increases to $4,000 if a household member has a catastrophic illness and those assets are being used for medical and living expenses.
Retirement accounts, home equity, and vehicle value are generally not counted as liquid assets.
Who Is Eligible for Kentucky LIHEAP?
To qualify for Kentucky LIHEAP, your household must meet all of the following:
- Income requirement -- Household gross income must be at or below 150% FPL (130% for the fall subsidy)
- Energy responsibility -- You must be responsible for paying home energy costs. This includes renters if utilities are listed in your name or if heat is included in your rent
- Residency -- You must live in Kentucky
- Citizenship or eligible immigration status -- U.S. citizens and qualified non-citizens (lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain other statuses) may qualify
- Asset limit -- Liquid resources must not exceed $2,000 (or $4,000 with documented catastrophic illness)
Renters whose heat is included in their monthly rent may qualify for LIHEAP assistance even if they do not receive a direct utility bill. The benefit may be paid to the landlord on your behalf.
Kentucky LIHEAP Program Components
Kentucky LIHEAP operates three main components, each with its own application window:
1. Heating Assistance (Subsidy)
The heating subsidy is the main component of the program. It provides a one-time payment to help offset winter heating costs. This component typically opens in early November and runs through December or until funds run out.
Payments are made directly to the utility company or fuel supplier, not to the household. The typical benefit is around $200 to $300 per household, though actual amounts depend on income, household size, fuel type, and available funding.
2. Crisis Assistance
The crisis component helps households facing an immediate heating emergency, such as a utility shutoff notice, no fuel remaining, or a broken heating system. Crisis assistance typically operates from January through mid-March or until funds are depleted.
A household can receive up to approximately $400 in crisis assistance. To access crisis assistance, you generally need documentation of the emergency (a disconnection notice, a statement from a fuel supplier, etc.).
3. Cooling Assistance
Kentucky also offers cooling assistance during summer months to help eligible households with cooling costs. Income eligibility for cooling assistance follows the same 150% FPL threshold as heating assistance. This component is funded separately and subject to available federal and state allocations.
4. Weatherization
The Weatherization Assistance Program is technically separate from LIHEAP but closely connected. It uses 200% FPL as its income threshold and provides home improvements like insulation, window sealing, and furnace repairs to reduce energy costs long-term. Your Community Action Agency can screen you for both programs at the same time.
Required Documents for Your Application
Gather these documents before heading to your local Community Action Agency:
- Proof of identity -- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) for all adults in the household
- Social Security cards -- For all household members
- Proof of income -- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), most recent Social Security award letter, pension statement, unemployment benefit letter, or other income documentation
- Recent utility bill -- Must include your name, service address, and account number. If a utility shutoff notice has been issued, bring that as well
- Proof of address -- A bill, lease agreement, or other mail showing your current address
- Proof of household composition -- Birth certificates for children, or other documentation showing who lives in the home
If you rent and heat is included in your rent, bring your lease agreement showing this and contact information for your landlord.
How to Apply for Kentucky LIHEAP: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Find Your Local Community Action Agency
Kentucky LIHEAP is administered through a network of local Community Action Agencies (CAAs), not through a single statewide office. You apply through the CAA serving your county.
To find your local agency, call the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services at 1-800-456-3452 or visit capky.org/network.
Step 2: Check the Application Window
Kentucky LIHEAP operates on a seasonal schedule. The main heating assistance window is typically November through December. Crisis assistance runs from January through mid-March. Check with your local CAA for exact opening dates each year, as they can vary by county and available funding.
For spring 2026, Kentucky opened a limited application window from April 20 through May 22, 2026 for cooling and remaining heating crisis funds.
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment or Apply In Person
Most Community Action Agencies require in-person appointments or accept walk-ins during open enrollment periods. Some counties have added online pre-screening or phone intake options. Contact your local CAA to confirm how they are accepting applications in your county.
Step 4: Submit Your Application and Documents
Bring all required documents listed above. A caseworker will review your application, verify your income and household composition, and determine your benefit amount.
Step 5: Receive Your Benefit
If approved, your benefit is paid directly to your utility company or fuel supplier. You do not receive a check. Processing times vary by agency and funding availability, but crisis cases are typically prioritized and processed faster.
How Much Can You Receive?
Kentucky LIHEAP benefit amounts are not fixed. They vary based on:
- Your household's income relative to the poverty level
- Your household size
- Your primary heating fuel type
- Available program funding for the year
As a general guide, the fall heating subsidy typically provides around $200 to $300 per eligible household. Crisis assistance can provide up to approximately $400. Actual amounts may be higher or lower depending on state and federal allocations each program year.
Households at the lowest income levels, particularly those at or below 75% FPL, generally receive the highest benefit amounts. Households between 75% and 130% FPL may be required to contribute a co-payment toward their energy costs.
Kentucky LIHEAP and Other Energy Assistance Programs
LIHEAP is one of several energy assistance programs available to Kentucky residents. You may qualify for more than one:
- Utility company assistance programs -- Duke Energy, LG&E, and KU all offer low-income customer assistance programs. These can be combined with LIHEAP in some cases.
- State Earned Income Tax Credit -- Kentucky has its own EITC for working households, which can help offset utility costs indirectly.
- WAP (Weatherization Assistance Program) -- As noted above, can reduce long-term energy costs through home improvements.
- SNAP (food assistance) -- If you qualify for LIHEAP, you may also qualify for SNAP. Your CAA may screen you for multiple programs.
Use the Benefits USA free screener to check your eligibility for LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs at the same time.
County-by-County Resources
Kentucky has 120 counties, and each is served by a Community Action Agency. Some of the larger ones include:
- Louisville/Jefferson County: Louisville Metro Office of Social Services, (502) 574-4860
- Lexington/Fayette County: Community Action Council, (859) 233-4600
- Northern Kentucky (Boone, Kenton, Campbell): Community Action Commission, (859) 491-5724
- Eastern Kentucky: Big Sandy Area Community Action Program, (606) 886-2374
- Western Kentucky: Pennyrile Allied Community Services, (270) 825-6000
For a complete list of all agencies by county, visit capky.org/network or call 1-800-456-3452.
You can also visit benefitsusa.org/states/kentucky for a full overview of Kentucky assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Kentucky LIHEAP in 2026?
For a single-person household, the 2026 income limit is $23,940 per year (approximately $1,995 per month) at 150% FPL. For a family of four, the limit is $49,500 per year ($4,125 per month). The fall heating subsidy uses a lower threshold of 130% FPL.
Can renters apply for Kentucky LIHEAP?
Yes. Renters can apply if they pay their own utility bills or if their rent includes heat. If heat is included in rent, your local Community Action Agency will work with your landlord to process the benefit.
Do I have to reapply for LIHEAP every year?
Yes. LIHEAP benefits are not automatic from year to year. You must submit a new application each program year during the open enrollment period.
What happens if my utilities are about to be shut off?
Contact your local Community Action Agency immediately and ask about crisis assistance. Crisis cases are typically handled faster than standard applications. Bring your shutoff notice to the appointment.
Can I get both LIHEAP and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. Qualifying for LIHEAP does not prevent you from receiving SNAP, and vice versa. Many households receive multiple forms of assistance. In fact, some states use LIHEAP receipt to qualify households for an enhanced SNAP utility deduction.
What if I heat with oil, propane, or wood?
Kentucky LIHEAP covers all primary heating fuels, including natural gas, electricity, fuel oil, propane, kerosene, and wood. The type of fuel may affect your benefit amount.
How long does it take to get approved?
Processing times vary by county and the volume of applications received. For crisis cases involving a shutoff notice, agencies generally try to process within a few days. Standard heating subsidy applications may take two to four weeks.
Is LIHEAP counted as income for other programs?
LIHEAP benefits are generally not counted as income for purposes of other federal assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
What if I was denied? Can I appeal?
Yes. If your application is denied, you have the right to request a fair hearing. Your denial notice will include information about how to appeal. The appeal must typically be filed within 30 days of the denial.
