Applications are now being accepted for Community Action of Southern Kentucky’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a federally subsidized option available for those who may need help paying their heating bills this winter.

Monty Mitchell, community services assistant for CAOSKY, said the program works in two parts – a subsidized portion running from Nov. 5 to Dec. 20, and a crisis portion which runs Jan. 7 to March 31.

He said the main difference between the two is the subsidy program will normally cover only a portion of someone’s bill, while the crisis program will cover the entire thing.

“In some cases, (subsidy) will pay the entire bill,” he said. “So if you came came in and your electric bill is only $100, you may qualify for $184 but then you get a credit on your account.”

LIHEAP is available in all ten counties served by CAOSKY. Mitchell said those interested in applying can only do so at their local Community Action office.

“Once we know if you qualify, then we provide the vendor a pledge and then we email that pledge over to the vendor, and that vendor places that pledge on the account for that client,” he said. “Usually our lowest pledge amount is $37, and the maximum is $400.”

Through the program, heating costs will be covered across a variety of fuel types, including propane, kerosene, electric and even wood.

For wood-fueled heat, Mitchell said, firewood is purchased for clients by the rick from a few vendors across the region.

“I think that we only have three or four counties that actually still have wood vendors,” he said. “It’s one of those components that I didn’t think we would still do or come across.”

According to CAOSKY’s LIHEAP webpage, applications for the program will be accepted until Dec. 20. Those interested in applying for LIHEAP can call 270-783-4484 to schedule an appointment.

Mitchell said applicants need to have their Social Security card, proof of income and a copy of the bill they are seeking assistance for.