Kentucky LIHEAP helps approximately 150,000 Kentucky families pay their heating bills each winter through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), which contracts with Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across all 120 Kentucky counties to receive applications and deliver benefits. The program is a statewide initiative sponsored by Community Action Kentucky (CAK) in partnership with CHFS.
Kentucky LIHEAP operates in three distinct components spread across the year — a structure unique in this series:
- Fall Subsidy — November through December (heating)
- Winter Crisis — January through March (emergency heating)
- Spring Subsidy — April through May (cooling/electric)
Each component has its own eligibility requirements, application period, and benefit structure.
Kentucky LIHEAP’s Three Components
Fall Subsidy (November–December)
The Fall Subsidy component helps households pay home heating costs before the peak of winter. The [current_year-1]–2026 fall subsidy ran November 5 through December 20. Income limit for Fall Subsidy: 130% of the Federal Poverty Level — lower than the 150% FPL used for other components.
- One-time benefit applied directly to your energy account
- Benefit range based on income, fuel type, and household size
- No disconnect notice or past-due bill required to qualify
- 130% FPL income limit
Winter Crisis (January–March)
The Crisis component addresses heating emergencies from January through March. The 2026 crisis enrollment ran January 6 through March 27, 2026.
- Your home must be past due on its energy bill, subject to disconnection, or within four days of depletion of its energy source (fuel, propane, coal, wood, oil)
- Assistance covers the minimum amount to resolve the crisis — not a full bill payment
- Maximum benefit: $400 for summer crisis; varies for winter (check with your local CAA)
- Prior LIHEAP assistance does not affect eligibility for the Crisis component
- 150% FPL income limit
Spring Subsidy (April–May)
The Spring Subsidy is Kentucky’s electric/cooling assistance component, available April through May. The 2026 spring subsidy ran April 20 through May 22, 2026, or until funds were depleted.
- Provides a one-time electric benefit to offset spring cooling costs
- Benefit range: $41 to $250
- No disconnect notice, past-due bill, or eviction notice required
- Prior LIHEAP assistance does not affect Spring Subsidy eligibility
- 150% FPL income limit
Kentucky LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Kentucky uses 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for the Crisis and Spring Subsidy components. The Fall Subsidy uses 130% FPL — a lower threshold.
150% FPL (Crisis and Spring Subsidy):
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit | Annual Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,881 | $22,590 |
| 2 | $2,546 | $30,570 |
| 3 | $3,213 | $38,550 |
| 4 | $3,878 | $46,530 |
| 5 | $4,544 | $54,510 |
| 6 | $5,209 | $62,490 |
| 7 | $5,875 | $70,470 |
| 8 | $6,540 | $78,480 |
| Each additional | +$666/month | +$7,980/year |
130% FPL (Fall Subsidy):
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$1,630 |
| 2 | ~$2,207 |
| 3 | ~$2,785 |
| 4 | ~$3,362 |
| 5 | ~$3,939 |
Based on 130% and 150% FPL. Confirm current income guidelines with your local CAA or at chfs.ky.gov. Tables update October 1 each year.
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Kentucky LIHEAP has no asset test.
No automatic categorical eligibility stated: Kentucky does not list categorical exemptions for SNAP, SSI, or TANF recipients. All applicants are reviewed against income guidelines. Confirm with your local CAA.
Who Qualifies for Kentucky LIHEAP
To be eligible for any component of Kentucky LIHEAP:
- Kentucky residency as primary residence
- Income at or below the applicable income limit for the component (130% FPL for Fall Subsidy; 150% FPL for Crisis and Spring Subsidy)
- Responsibility for energy costs — either directly billed to your name or included as an undesignated portion of your rent
For Crisis assistance specifically:
- Your home must be past due, subject to disconnection, or within four days of running out of fuel
- Covers electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, and fuel oil
Weatherization income limit: 200% FPL — more inclusive than the heating components.
How to Apply for Kentucky LIHEAP
Step 1 — Find Your Local Community Action Agency
Kentucky LIHEAP is available in all 120 Kentucky counties through local CAAs. Find your county’s agency:
- Visit capky.org — the Community Action Kentucky CAA locator
- Call your local CAA directly (numbers vary by county)
- For Lexington-Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison, and Nicholas counties: Community Action Council — call (859) 300-6960 or use the online appointment scheduler at commaction.org
- For Jefferson County (Louisville): Office of Social Services — contact through louisvilleky.gov
For the statewide LIHEAP contact, see the LIHEAP phone number directory. For a general overview of the application process, see how to apply for LIHEAP.
Step 2 — Schedule an Appointment
Most Kentucky CAAs require an appointment to apply for LIHEAP. Contact your local agency before the season opens to schedule. Some CAAs allow walk-ins between 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM Monday–Friday when appointments are unavailable.
Step 3 — Required Documents
Bring the following to your appointment:
- Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card for each household member
- Proof of all household income — pay stubs, Social Security award letters, SNAP/SSI benefit statements, pension statements
- Most recent energy utility bill(s) — gas, electric, propane, or other heating source
- Rental agreement (if energy costs are included in rent)
- Disconnect notice or fuel depletion documentation (for Crisis component only)
Step 4 — Benefit Payment
Benefits are paid directly to your energy vendor. Crisis assistance covers the minimum amount necessary to resolve the emergency — not the full bill. The Spring Subsidy credit appears on your electric bill.
To check on a submitted application, contact your local CAA directly or see how to track your LIHEAP application status.
Kentucky WinterCare Fund — Statewide Utility Supplement
Kentucky has a distinctive mandatory utility assistance program: WinterCare. In 1984, the Kentucky Public Service Commission mandated that all regulated utilities participate in WinterCare (or develop acceptable alternatives). Currently 31 utilities and 22 community action agencies serving 119 of 120 Kentucky counties participate.
WinterCare funds are distributed through the same CAA network as LIHEAP and provide supplemental heating assistance. Contact your local CAA or utility company to learn about WinterCare availability in your county.
Kentucky Utility Assistance Programs
LG&E/KU WinterCare Fund — Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities participate in WinterCare. Contact your local CAA or visit lge-ku.com for details.
Community Winterhelp — LG&E matches residential customer donations to Community Winterhelp dollar-for-dollar through April. Applications are accepted in early February at Community Ministry locations. Call 502-561-6830 ext. 150 or visit communitywinterhelp.org.
Project WARM — since 1982, Project WARM has provided free weatherization and energy conservation services to Louisville and Jefferson County residents. Services include sealing air leaks, adding attic insulation, and energy education.
Kentucky LIHEAP Funding
Kentucky received $59,520,578 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2025 (the most recently confirmed figure from the LIHEAP Clearinghouse), including $1,273,896 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, Kentucky served 70,549 heating households, 78,161 cooling households, 70,597 winter crisis households, and 424 weatherization projects. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Kentucky with other states.
Kentucky’s cooling enrollment (78,161) exceeding heating (70,549) reflects the Spring Subsidy’s broad reach — available in April/May before peak cooling season.
Additional Resources for Kentucky Families
Kentucky SNAP: Check Kentucky SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Kentucky.
Kentucky Medicaid: Check Kentucky Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Kentucky WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many components does Kentucky LIHEAP have?
Kentucky LIHEAP has three components: Fall Subsidy (November–December, 130% FPL), Winter Crisis (January–March, 150% FPL), and Spring Subsidy (April–May, 150% FPL). Each has its own application period, income limit, and eligibility requirements.
What are the income limits for Kentucky LIHEAP?
The Fall Subsidy uses 130% FPL (approximately $3,362/month for a household of 4). The Crisis and Spring Subsidy components use 150% FPL ($3,878/month for a household of 4). There is no asset limit. Confirm current tables with your local CAA.
Do I need a disconnect notice to apply?
Only for the Crisis component — you must be past due, subject to disconnection, or within four days of running out of fuel. The Fall Subsidy and Spring Subsidy do not require a disconnect notice or past-due bill.
Does prior LIHEAP assistance affect my eligibility?
No — prior LIHEAP assistance does not affect eligibility for the Crisis component or the Spring Subsidy. Each component is assessed independently.
What is WinterCare?
WinterCare is Kentucky’s state-mandated utility assistance program. Since 1984, the Kentucky Public Service Commission has required all regulated utilities to participate. Currently 31 utilities and 22 CAAs serving 119 of 120 counties participate. Contact your local CAA or utility company.
For current Kentucky LIHEAP information and to find your county’s Community Action Agency, visit chfs.ky.gov or capky.org. The 2026 season schedules will be published when available.