Kentucky residents who need help paying for air conditioning have a limited-time opportunity to reduce the costs through the state's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy Cooling Component.
Here's what to know
According to a Kentucky Community Action statement cited by The Paintsville Herald, applications will be accepted until Sept. 11 unless funding is exhausted sooner, with requests handled in the order they are received.
The benefit is provided once and applies to electricity costs.
The Herald reported that some households could also receive help if their cooling equipment needs repair or replacement.
More background
Summer utility bills often rise as temperatures climb. Running an air conditioner for long periods can put serious pressure on a household budget, especially for families already juggling rent, groceries, medicine, and transportation costs.
Extreme heat can be especially dangerous for older adults, young children, and people with medical conditions, making access to affordable cooling a basic need in many homes.
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A one-time electric benefit may help a family keep the AC running during a heat wave, while repair or replacement support can restore cooling for households dealing with equipment failure.
According to the Herald, households can visit capky.org/network to learn whether they're eligible for assistance. One eligibility requirement is "household income of up to and including 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines."
Applicants will need proof of citizenship in the form of a Green Card or Social Security Number, proof of income, the most recent electric bill, the account number, and the name of the person on the account. If approved, the electric provider receives the benefits directly.
Incentives like this are not rare. Utilities and local governments across the country have similar programs to provide homes and families with assistance with electricity costs or rebates for efficient HVAC and home upgrades.
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