The second phase of the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program begins this week on Thursday for Jefferson County residents.The program helps eligible residents pay a part of their utility bills during the colder winter months. Appointments will be made beginning Nov. 3 for people who live at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level, said Debbie Belt, a spokeswoman for Metro Community Services. “For a family of four that is right around a gross monthly income of $2,600 a month,” Belt said. “These are low-income households where often times they're struggling to make ends meet, and that's why a program like this is so valuable.” Early registrations for disabled elderly people began earlier this month. Belt said Metro staff went to senior and disability centers to help sign people up. “We've already served over 3,000 of those individuals just doing pre registrations getting their paperwork done ahead of time,” Belt said. Belt said for those planning to apply can sign-up for appointments early beginning this week. “In order to apply we do ask that appointments be made ahead of time in person and we’re beginning those appointments this Thursday,” Belt said. She said those who think they are eligible can come to the 810 Barret Ave. location between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. and again on Friday between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Belt said there are a few things that people applying should bring. “They just need to bring a photo ID and their most recent heating bill, like their most recent LG&E bill or if their utilities are included in their rent just some type of proof that their utilities are included in their rent,” Belt said. People who cannot make the appointment can send a representative, said Belt. They just need to send a note that is dated and signed that gives permission to the representative to handle their affairs. “That representative can bring their photo ID of who they're applying for and the heating bill of who they are applying for,” Belt said. The program gives a one-time payment directly to the utility provider, said Belt. The pledge is made when the person’s appointment is being processed. Last year, 11,000 people received help from the program. Community Services staff are expecting about the same amount of people this year, said Belt. Applications must be willing to provide the following documents:
- Picture ID for head of household (if available).
- Proof of all household income for the preceding month (food stamp award letter, pay stubs, etc.).
- All individuals 18 or over in the household with no income must have a Proof of No Income form completed prior to applying for benefits. Forms available at the CAP office, 810 Barret Ave. or here.
- Social Security card(s) or official documentation with social security number(s) or Permanent Resident Card Number(s) 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).
Locations of the offices are: 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 THIS OFFICE IS CLOSED FOR LIHEAP OPERATIONS ON FRIDAYS South Office - Southwest Government Center 7219 Dixie Highway, 40258 502-574-1272
