Register now for energy assistance program

Early registration for Louisville’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has opened and will continue through the rest of October, city officials said.

The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services announced in a press release that the pre-registration window is now open for Jefferson County residents within 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, are 60 years or older and those who are disabled or on a fixed income.

Residents who are eligible for LIHEAP may also be qualified for a discount on their water bill with the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District. If a resident’s gross income is $35,000 or less, they could receive a 30% discount on the wastewater part of the bill, the release stated.

Who is eligible for LIHEAP benefits?

According to the the office for community services, the following are eligible for LIHEAP benefits:

● Households with residents 60 years or older or disabled individuals receiving Social Security, SSI, pension or Black Lung benefits, etc.

● Jefferson County households in 150% of the 2023-24 Federal Poverty Guidelines

The release stated families must be “responsible for home heating costs or pay heating costs if utilities are included as an undesignated portion of rent” and that LIHEAP is a one-time benefit. If a family received benefits in 2022, they do not need to reapply — enrollment will continue for 2023.

How can I apply for LIHEAP benefits?

Applicants will need the following for appointments:

● Proof of all household income for the previous month. Zero Income forms can be found at the Resilience and Community Services office at 701 W. Ormsby Avenue., Suite 201, and the listed locations

● Proof of Social Security number or Permanent Residence card for all family members

● Current heating bill; or statement from landlord if expenses are included in rent

Those who do not meet pre-registration requirements may apply for LIHEAP starting Nov. 6, and appointments will be taken in advance starting Nov. 2 per the automated scheduler, the release stated.

LIHEAP benefits are paid directly to applicants’ heating vendors, according to the release. Benefits won’t be applied until after Nov. 6.

Those unable to apply in person can send a representative, though documentation and a handwritten note with permission, signed by the applicant, is required. People unable to come to the office at all may call (502) 780-7937 for assistance, the release stated.

LIHEAP is a product of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. More information about the Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services can be found online.

Applications for wastewater discounts can be found with this automated scheduler.

If a resident’s gross income is $35,000 or less, they could receive a 30% discount on the wastewater part of the bill, the release stated.