Crisis Component of LIHEAP begins January 9 to provide utility assistance for Louisville residents

Eligible residents can also apply for MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program

Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services is now accepting appointments for the annual Crisis Component of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  The program assists income-eligible households in Jefferson County with home heating costs from January 9 through March 31, 2023, or until funds are depleted.

To utilize the Crisis Component, applicants must have a household income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, as well as have received a “disconnect” notice from their utility company or be within four days of running out of a non-metered fuel such as propane. Additionally, applicants can also apply if they have a current bill with a late or past due amount, or if they are on an arrearage payment plan.

Crisis benefits will cover the minimum needed to alleviate the crisis not to exceed $400. Households can reapply each time they experience a crisis situation, or who meet eligibility for having a current bill with a past due amount, until they reached their maximum benefit.  Payments are made directly to the heating vendor (i.e. LG&E). 

Appointments are required in advance to apply for LIHEAP to make an in-person appointment at one of six LIHEAP locations utilizing an automated appointment system described below.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) Crisis Component

How to apply: Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 502-991-8391 or visit online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.

Eligibility:

• Households within 130% of 2021-22 Federal Poverty Guidelines, and
• Received a disconnect notice from metered utility service provider, or
• Received a current bill with a past due amount, or
• Received an eviction notice if utilities are included in the rent, or
• Be within four days of running out of bulk fuel; or
• Be within ten days of running out of pre-paid electric service.

Documentation:

• Proof of all household income for the preceding month (Food Stamp award letter, Social Security Award letter, pay stubs, or proof of $0 income). Note: Zero Income forms are available at the Resilience and Community Services office at 701 W. Ormsby Ave., Suite 201 as well as the six LIHEAP locations listed below or by clicking here.
• Social Security card(s) or (official documentation with Social Security Numbers) or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household; and
• Disconnect notice or a current bill with a past due amount for metered utilities; or
• Eviction notice and copy of lease if heating expenses are included in the rent. or 
• Statement from utility company that shows 10 days or less of service if participating in pre-paid electric service. Include the account number and name on the account for all heating fuel sources and electric.

Also, through a partnership with MSD, eligible residents will have the opportunity to apply for MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program.

Senior citizens, 65 or older with a gross annual household income of $35,000 or less, may be eligible to receive a 30 percent discount on wastewater charges and the consent decree surcharge.  This enrollment period is for both new and renewing MSD discount program clients.

Eligible households can apply for one or both LIHEAP Crisis Component and the MSD’s Senior Discount Program with one single appointment.

MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program

How to apply: Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 502-991-8391 or visit online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.

Eligibility:

• Client must be 65 years of age or older and a named customer with MSD.
• Gross household income is $35,000 or less per year.
• Not currently receiving MSD’s EWRAP (Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program) as of date of application.
• Senior Citizen Discount customers must recertify annually.

Documentation:

• Proof of age (must provide driver’s license, state ID, or birth certificate).
• Proof of social security number or permanent residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
• Must provide proof of all income received during the previous month by any member of the household (gross).
• Proof of active utility account with Louisville Water Company and MSD. (i.e. Named customers with MSD, receiving metered water service for a property used solely for residential purposes, and owned or leased by customer as principal residence).

Visit louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP for periodic updates, or for more details about the MSD Senior Citizen Discount Program, visit https://louisvillemsd.org/paymybill or call 502-540-6000.

Discounts from the MSD program will become effective on the next billing cycle following approval. 

Individuals who are unable to apply for LIHEAP or the MSD programs in person may send a representative on their behalf. Simply provide the representative with the documentation listed above as well as a hand-written note, dated and signed from the applicant, giving them permission to handle their application for services. Residents who are homebound and who are unable to send a representative may call 502/780-7937.

For more information about this process on how to apply for LIHEAP or the MSD discount programs, please contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or 574-5000, email [email protected], visit the website’s On Line Customer Service or Live Chat at www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocall, tweet @LouMetro311, or download the free Mobile 311 app from the website.

LIHEAP is made possible by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.  For more information about Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services -- visit our website at www.louisvilleky.gov/RCS  or contact Community Action Kentucky at 1-800-456-3452.

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