Open enrollment underway for Louisville's winter heating assistance program

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville residents who need assistance paying winter heating bills are invited to enroll in the state's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

The program is funded by Kentucky's Community Action Network. Open enrollment started Jan. 6, and applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through March 27, 2026 or until funds are depleted, according to a news release from the city.

Assistance paying utility bills is available to eligible households in danger of being disconnected or evicted. To receive electric or natural gas benefits, applicants must provide a past due notice, a lease or an eviction notice (if heat is included in rent). The benefit will be the minimum needed to alleviate the crisis, up to the maximum benefit. Households can reapply until they reach their maximum benefit.

The money is paid directly to the household's energy supplier. It doesn't matter if you've applied in the past, you're still eligible to apply again. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income eligibility of up to and including 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

In Jefferson County, LIHEAP Winter Crisis is available through the Louisville Metro Office of Social Services. Appointments are required in advance to apply. Eligible households can apply for one or both LIHEAP Crisis and MSD’s EWRAP/Senior Discount Program with one appointment.

MSD’s Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP)

Eligible residents are encouraged to apply for MSD’s Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP). Once approved, residents can receive a 30% discount on wastewater charges and the consent decree surcharge.

Eligibility includes households at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. This enrollment period is for new and renewing MSD discount program clients.

MSD Senior Discount

MSD clients who are 65 years of age or older with a gross household income of $35,000 or less per year may be eligible for MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program. It is recommended you submit your MSD bill with your LIHEAP documentation to see if you qualify for a MSD discount program. For more details about the MSD Discount Programs, click here.

How to Apply

A toll-free automated appointment system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to schedule in-person appointments at one of seven locations. The automated scheduler will provide details about the locations as well as eligibility and required documentation.

Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 502-991-8391 or visit online.

Eligibility

Jefferson County households within 150% of 2025-26 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 Winter Crisis is available to eligible households who are facing a home heating emergency, such as imminent loss of heat, low fuel supply, or eviction. For electric or natural gas benefits, households must provide a past due notice, lease or an eviction notice (if heat is included in rent).

Documentation

Proof of all household income for the preceding month (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 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 electricity.
For MSD’s EWRAP program, you will need proof of an 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 the customer as principal residence).

For more information about this process on how to apply for LIHEAP or the MSD discount programs, contact Metro311 by dialing 311 or 502-574-5000. Questions can also be emailed to metro.call@louisvilleky.gov.

Customer service and a live chat is also available online.

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