The Harlan County CAA will accept applications Nov. 3-Dec. 12 for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The Kentucky Association of Community Action Inc. sponsors the program in partnership with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Donna Pace, the director of the Harlan CAA, said due to a possible increase in funding this year and a benefit raise that the clients get due to the high energy costs, CAA is trying to approve an increase in the benefit amount the clients receive.
“Last year, the income guidelines were increased, which made more people eligible. However, CAA ran out of money early last year, and a lot of people were left out. With the increase, hopefully, we can serve more people than we did last year, and the clients themselves will get a larger benefit amount. This is what we are shooting for,” Pace said.
Pace said she was in favor of increasing the benefit level because of rising fuel costs.
To apply for the program, residents should fill out an application, which can be picked up at the Harlan CAA offices in Sunshine and returned on Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Applicants must present the following: most recent heating bill or verification that heating expenses are not included in rent (i.e. lease agreements); Social Security card or official documentation with Social Security numbers for each member of the household; proof of all household income for the prior month.
The benefit amount will be determined by poverty level and the type of fuel used for heating. Benefits will be given to eligible households and payable to the household’s primary or secondary heating fuel vendor.
In a related matter, Thursday has been identified by Gov. Steve Beshear as Weatherization Day in Kentucky to raise awareness of the important benefits created by this program.
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