As winter approaches, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will help Harlan Countians with their energy bills. Applications are being accepted for the 2009-2010 heating season starting this week at the Harlan County Community Action Agency (HCCAA) in Sunshine.

According to Darrell Shouse, executive director of the Middle Kentucky Community Action Partnership, a family of four would qualify if their gross monthly income is less than $2,389.

“Electric bills, fuel oil bills and everything else has just skyrocketed in the last few years, so basically this really helps them a lot to try and get through the winter,” said Shouse. “Without this they could very easily cut into their money they’re going to need for food and shelter.”

The Harlan County CAA requirements for the LIHEAP are 2009 proof of income (SSI, Social Security, wages, self-employment, retirement, child support, etc.), Social Security cards for everyone in the home, proof of 911 address, electric bill with the current 911 address (even if you are applying for something other than electric), and a picture identification for head of household, if applicable.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said LIHEAP programs across the country are receiving $26 billion through the end of the year, until final 2010 appropriations are adopted. The DHHS, LIHEAP programs can help pay for almost any heating source which includes electric, fuel oil, gas, wood or coal heat.

The LIHEAP works in two phases. The subsidy phase comes in November and December, during which time any eligible household gets assistance. The crisis phase is next, which can run into March and April.

Shouse said the LIHEAP crisis phase is kind of like whatever money is left over, people can come back in again and actually get help twice.

“There’s a predetermined rate based on a formula that takes different heating sources into consideration,” said Shouse. “You might get so much tonnage of coal, or so many cords of wood, or a certain dollar amount paid toward your utility bill.”

Applications at the Harlan county CAA are taken in order of the last name of the head of the household. Calendars have been mailed out or are available at the CAA office. CAA said residents must choose the date on the calendar that contains the first letter of your last name. If you cannot apply on your assigned day, you must contact the Harlan CAA at 573-5335 to make other arrangements. Applications will be taken from Nov. 2 through Dec. 11.

For more information about the LIHEAP program, call 1-800-456-3452 or TTY 1-800-372-2973.