Big Sandy Area Community Action Program (BSACAP) is taking appointments for the Crisis component of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis until March 31 or until funds are exhausted.

The Crisis component of LIHEAP provides assistance to low-income households experiencing heating emergencies. The household must have a disconnect notice or be within four days of running out of bulk fuel in order to be considered as being in an emergency situation. Big Sandy Area Community Action Program serves Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike counties. If you live in another county, you can access the program by finding the Community Action Agency in your area at capky.org.

Households are considered to be in a home heating crisis if:

  • the household is within four days of running out of fuel if bulk fuel (coal, fuel oil, propane, kerosene, or wood) is the primary heating source; or
  • the household has received a disconnect notice if natural gas or electric is the heating source; or
  • the household’s home heating costs are included in the rent and the household has received an eviction notice for non-payment of rent.

To be eligible for Crisis assistance, households must verify their address, verify a heating crisis exists and meet federal income eligibility guidelines. Applicants also must apply in their county of residence.

In addition, applicants must provide the following:

  • Proof of household income for prior month;
  • Birthdates for all household members;
  • Social security card or official documentation with social security numbers for each member of household.

Appointments can be made online by visiting the agency’s website at www.bsacap.org/bookings. You must choose the county you reside in, then picking a date on or after January 4th and a time that would be best for you, add your contact details, and click “Book.” Bookings can also be reached through Facebook by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of Big Sandy Area Community Action Program’s page (@BSACAP), just under the cover photo. Those without internet access or who are unable to book online can call the agency’s toll free hotline at 1-888-658-3641 to book an appointment over the telephone.

Appointments and applications will be taken during business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

LIHEAP, a national energy assistance initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is funded in Kentucky by the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services and Community Action Kentucky.