Residents register for appointments for Louisville's energy assistance program

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Today is the first day people can register for appointments for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Here's how the program works.

LIHEAP -- or the Low Income Heating Assistance Program -- helps low income residents with their utility bills. The subsidy phase started Monday, and runs through Dec. 11. The federally funded program is operated by Community Action Partnership, which is part of Louisville Metro Community Services.

If you'd like to apply, you'll need to register for an appointment at one of three CAP offices between 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., based on appointment availability.

Central Office -- Urban Government Center, 810 Barret Avenue, Room 127, 40204; 502-574-1157

East Office -- Newburg Community Center, 4810 Exeter Avenue, 40218; 502-574-1270

South Office -- Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway, 40272; 502-574-1272

All offices will be closed Nov. 27 and Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday and no appointments will be issued on Fridays at the East Office.

After registering for an appointment, residents will receive an appointment slip verifying the appointment date, time and location.

LIHEAP applications will be completed at the time of the appointment and the assistance received is a one-time benefit.

Applicants must be Jefferson County residents with a household income at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines and willing to provide the following documentation at the time of their appointment: picture ID, recent heating bill or verification from a landlord.

All individuals 18 or over in the household with no income – and who do not receive food stamps -- must have a Proof of No Income form completed prior to applying for benefits. (Available at the CAP office at 810 Barret or by clicking here.) Social Security card(s) or official documentation with social security numbers or Permanent Resident Card Numbers for everyone living in the household. Most recent heating bill or verification from landlord that heating expenses are included in the rent (i.e. lease agreements).

Individuals who are unable to apply for this program in person may send a representative on their behalf with a note including the applicant's signature and phone number.

Call 574-1157 for more details on how this process works. Residents who are homebound -- which means a medical professional can verify they are confined to the home -- and who are unable to send a representative, may call 574-1274.