The deadline for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended to April 30, or until funds have been exhausted. Big Sandy Area Community Action Program (BSACAP) will be taking applications for the extended Crisis component of LIHEAP by telephone.
The Crisis component of LIHEAP provides assistance to low-income households experiencing heating emergencies. Households that have received their maximum benefit for 2020, may not re-apply at this time.
Local energy providers have stated that they will not be performing disconnects during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, disconnect notices are still being generated and sent out to customers. Even though no disconnect will take place, people may still qualify for LIHEAP services to assist them with their home heating or electricity needs.
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.
Big Sandy Area Community Action Program’s offices have closed to the public in order to comply with the social distancing requirements put in place by the local and state governments. The agency will now take LIHEAP applications by phone and arrangements to provide documentation will be made with each customer.
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 can make arrangements to provide the following items if they are not already on file with the agency:
- 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.
Applications will be taken by phone, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following numbers:
- Floyd County: 606-874-3595
- Johnson County: 606-789-6515
- Magoffin County: 606-349-2217
- Martin County: 606-298-3217
- Pike County: 606-432-2775
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.
