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Serving the Northern Kentucky Counties of Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen and Pendleton |
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Serving the Northern Kentucky Counties of Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen and Pendleton |
Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission began the Crisis component of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), January 4 in an effort to assist low-income families with high utility and heating bills. Since the program began in January, the agency has served more than 3,000 households providing them with over $850,000 in benefits.
Last year more than 4,000 Northern Kentucky families received financial assistance and emergency services from the LIHEAP Crisis component. According to 2004 census estimates, however, there are 7,400 families in Northern Kentucky’s eight counties living below the poverty level. “The combination of low wages, high unemployment, and high home heating costs are going to hit many of our families hard this year,” said Jennifer Belisle, NKCAC’s Deputy Director. “Fuel costs seem to be lower than last year, but the combination of higher unemployment, record cold temperatures in January and now the snow storm will mean that families need more fuel to heat their homes.”
Additional federal funds totaling $1.9 million were allocated to the program, which should ensure that the program will remain open until the end of March, 2010. Families at or below 130% of the poverty level (approximately $2,300 per month for a family of four) who also have a home heating crisis may be eligible for assistance.
A heating crisis is either a utility disconnection notice, or being within 3 days of running out of a delivered source of fuel. Families whose heat is included in their rent may also be eligible for assistance.
Applicants must present the following: Most recent heating bill with a disconnection notice or verification that heating expenses are included in rent (i.e. lease agreements); Social Security card or official documentation (medical card) with social security numbers for each member of the household; proof of all household income for the prior month; and, if requesting assistance for kerosene, an electric bill for the home in which the applicant resides.
Applications will be taken at convenient NKCAC locations throughout the eight county region. Days, hours of operation, locations and telephone numbers are listed here.
The benefit amount that each household receives will be based on the amount needed to alleviate the heating crisis. All eligible households will receive a benefit until funds are expended. Benefits will be made payable to the household’s heating fuel vendor. LIHEAP is a statewide initiative sponsored by Community Action Kentucky in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).