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Kentucky opens LIHEAP fall heating aid enrollment for Jefferson County

Kentucky opens LIHEAP fall heating aid enrollment for Jefferson County

Money Moves Louisville, KY local

Households up to 150% of federal poverty guidelines can apply through Dec. 18, or until funds run out, without a disconnect notice.

Today: 2026 LIHEAP fall subsidy enrollment opens

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

Jefferson County households can begin applying Nov. 9 for Kentucky's LIHEAP Fall Subsidy, a one-time credit toward winter heating bills. Enrollment runs through Dec. 18, or until the designated funds are spent.

The program is open to households at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Applicants do not need a past-due bill or a disconnect notice, and the benefit can be applied as a credit.

Why it matters

A one-time credit can keep a Jefferson County household's heat on this winter, and applicants do not need a past-due bill or shutoff notice.

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Key Indicators

150%
Income cutoff
Maximum household income is 150% of federal poverty guidelines.
40 days
Enrollment window
Applications are scheduled from Nov. 9 through Dec. 18, 2026.
7
Application sites
Jefferson County applicants can book in-person appointments at one of seven locations.

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Organizations Involved

LM
Louisville Metro Community Action Partnership
Local LIHEAP administrator
Accepting 2026 fall subsidy applications

The Jefferson County agency listed by LG&E and KU as a local source of LIHEAP help.
Community Action Kentucky
Community Action Kentucky
Statewide LIHEAP administrator
Partners with the state to distribute federal funds

Statewide network that administers LIHEAP with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
KC
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
State agency
Receives federal LIHEAP block grant

State agency that passes federal LIHEAP funds to Kentucky's Community Action Network.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Federal Cabinet Department
Funds LIHEAP through block grants

Federal department that provides LIHEAP block grants to states.
LG
LG&E and KU
Utility
Lists LIHEAP and other assistance on customer help page

Louisville-based utility that refers customers to LIHEAP and other bill-payment programs.

Timeline

November 2024 November 2026

4 events Latest: Today
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. 2026 LIHEAP fall subsidy enrollment opens

    Today Program

    Jefferson County households can apply through Dec. 18 or until funds run out.

  2. Fall subsidy opens during federal shutdown

    Program

    Fall enrollment opened amid a federal shutdown; the city said LIHEAP funds were already committed.

  3. 2024 fall enrollment window closes

    Program

    The scheduled 2024 application period ended.

  4. 2024 LIHEAP fall enrollment opens

    Program

    Kentucky's 2024 fall subsidy began Nov. 5 and ran through Dec. 20 or until funds ran out.

Scenarios

1

Fall subsidy funds run out before Dec. 18

Possible Resolves by Dec 18, 2026

Discussed by: Program administrators' first-come, first-served rules

The program says applications are accepted until designated funds are depleted. If demand outpaces the allocation, the appointment system would close before the scheduled Dec. 18 end date.

2

Enrollment stays open through Dec. 18

Likely Resolves by Dec 18, 2026

Discussed by: Published program rules

If funds last, the window closes on schedule. Households would have the full six weeks to book an appointment and submit documents.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

November-December 2024

Kentucky LIHEAP fall subsidy (2024)

Louisville Metro opened the 2024 fall subsidy on Nov. 5, with applications accepted through Dec. 20 or until funds ran out. The city said benefits went directly to vendors and did not require a past-due balance.

Then

Eligible households could apply for one-time heating aid and, with one appointment, MSD wastewater discounts.

Now

The appointment-based model carried into later enrollment cycles.

Why this matters now

The 2026 window keeps the same core rules but moves the dates to Nov. 9-Dec. 18.

November 2025

Fall 2025 enrollment during federal shutdown

LIHEAP fall enrollment opened in Louisville while a federal shutdown continued and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were uncertain. A city spokesperson said LIHEAP funding was not affected because it was committed before the shutdown.

Then

Community ministries warned that utility bills could compete with food costs.

Now

The episode showed LIHEAP's block-grant funding can be insulated from a shutdown once obligated.

Why this matters now

It is a recent example of the program opening while other federal aid was in flux.

Sources

(5)
WHAS11 LG&E and KU Louisville Metro Government WLKY Audubon Area Community Services