Applications now available for low income assistance (LIHEAP); first come, first serve.

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Fall Subsidy can be made starting November 6th, and through December 15th, 2023. These applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through December 15th, or until designated funds have been expended.

LIHEAP Fall Subsidy is available at Hancock County Audubon Area Community Services, located at 225 Main Cross Street in Hawesville. The phone number is 270-927-6500.

The Fall Subsidy provides households with a one-time benefit, ranging from $34 to $274, depending on housing category, fuel type used for heating, and income level. This benefit can be applied towards home heating cost for electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood or fuel oil. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s fuel vendor.

Eligibility

Prior LIHEAP assistance doesn’t impact a household’s eligibility. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income eligibility of up to and including 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. One of the requirements is that you must be responsible for home heating costs or pay heating costs as an undesignated portion of rent.

Household income must be at or below the following, relative to household size:

• 1 person, monthly income $1,823 or less
• 2 people, monthly income $2,465 or less
• 3 people, monthly income $3,108 or less
• 4 people, monthly income $3,750 or less
• 5 people, monthly income $4,393 or less
• 6 people, $5,035 or less; 7 people
• $5,678 or less; and 8 people, $6,320 or less
• (Add $643 for each additional family member to calculate threshold)

Required Docs

Applicants must bring the following:

• proof of Social Security number or permanent residence card (Green Card) for each household member proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month
• most current heating bill, or statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a pre-pay
• the account number & name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill sources and electric bill.

Applicants requesting assistance for natural gas or electric must bring a disconnect/past due notice, if your rent includes heat, you must bring a copy of your lease and eviction notice; and applicants who participate in pre-pay electric program must bring a statement from the utility company that shows they have 10 days or less of pre-paid electric service. If you have questions, call 270-927-6500.

LIHEAP Winter Crisis Apps

LIHEAP Winter Crisis applications can be made starting January 9th, and through March 31st, 2024. Audubon Area Community Services, Inc., is the largest of 23 community action agencies serving residents of KY and is headquartered in Owensboro.

KY’s Community Action Agencies operate LIHEAP in partnership with Community Action Kentucky and the KY Cabinet for Health & Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services.