LIHEAP Fall Subsidy begins November 7 to provide utility assistance for income-eligible residents

MSD Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP) applications also available

Today Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services began accepting appointments for the annual Fall Subsidy Component of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which operates November 7 through December 16, 2022, or until funds are depleted.

During LIHEAP Subsidy, individuals or families in Jefferson County at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines who are responsible for home energy cost, whether directly or as an undesignated portion of rent, are eligible for assistance.  Residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills.

The Subsidy component provides households a one-time ranging from $50 to $200 depending on income levels and housing category. Payments are be made directly to the heating vendor (i.e. LG&E).

Appointments are required in advance to apply.  Starting today, November 4, the toll-free automated appointment system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to schedule an in-person appointment at one of seven locations. The automated scheduler will provide details about these locations as well as eligibility and required documentation.

Please note residents who applied for LIHEAP Fall Subsidy in October during the early registration phase for elderly and disabled citizens, do not need to reapply during the regular LIHEAP Subsidy Phase. 

LIHEAP Fall Subsidy 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:

• Jefferson County households within 130% of 2022-23 Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Must be responsible for home heating costs or pay heating costs if utilities are included as an undesignated portion of rent.
• LIHEAP Subsidy is a one-time benefit. You do not need to have a past-due balance or disconnect notice to be eligible.

Documentation:

• Proof of all household income for the preceding month (Food Stamp award letter, Social Security Award letter, pay stubs, etc. 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 seven LIHEAP locations listed below or by clicking here. 
• Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
• Most current heating bill; or statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent; or statement from your utility company if you participate in a pre-pay electric program. Please bring the account number and name on the account for all heating fuel sources and electric. 

Residents will also have the opportunity to apply for MSD’s Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program, known as EWRAP.

Eligible households can apply for one or both LIHEAP Subsidy and MSD’s EWRAP with one single appointment.

EWRAP provides approved applicants in Jefferson County a 30% discount on wastewater charges and the consent decree surcharge.  Eligibility includes households at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Proof of an active utility account with the Louisville Water Company and MSD is also required.  This enrollment period is for new and renewing MSD discount program clients.

MSD EWRAP (Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance 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:

• Jefferson County households within 150% of 2022-23 Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Must be an MSD residential wastewater customer
• Not currently receiving MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount as of date of application.

Documentation:

• 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).

MSD clients who do not meet the income eligibility for MSD’s EWRAP may be eligible for MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program, if the client is 65 years of age or older with a gross household income of $35,000 or less per year.   It is recommended you submit your MSD bill with your LIHEAP documentation to see if you qualify for a MSD discount program.

Discounts from the MSD programs 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.

Visit louisvilleky.gov and search for “LIHEAP” for periodic updates about both of these programs, or for more details about the MSD Discount Programs, visit https://louisvillemsd.org/paymybill.

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.

For more information on MSD’s EWRAP or Senior Citizen Discount Program visit https://louisvillemsd.org/paymybill or call 502-540-6000.

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