Kentucky · LIHEAP · Heating season 2026-27
Kentucky LIHEAP income limits.
Check your household against Kentucky's heating assistance limit, then see dates, benefit range and how to apply.
Kentucky limits heating help to 150% of the federal poverty guidelines: $48,225 a year for a household of four and $23,475 for one on the federal FFY 2026 tables. If the state keeps that percentage for FFY 2027, the projected limit for four people is $49,500, labelled projected because the state has not posted it in the sources read.
Your household
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Kentucky LIHEAP income limits by household size
Kentucky uses 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, so its limit moves each year with the HHS guidelines. FFY 2026 limits are the state standard applied to the ACF tables that were mandatory for October 2025 to September 2026.
| People in household | FFY 2026 limit (a year) | Per month | FFY 2027 (projected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,475 | $1,956 | $23,940 |
| 2 | $31,725 | $2,644 | $32,460 |
| 3 | $39,975 | $3,331 | $40,980 |
| 4 | $48,225 | $4,019 | $49,500 |
| 5 | $56,475 | $4,706 | $58,020 |
| 6 | $64,725 | $5,394 | $66,540 |
| 7 | $72,975 | $6,081 | $75,060 |
| 8 | $81,225 | $6,769 | $83,580 |
| 9 | $89,475 | $7,456 | $92,100 |
| 10 | $97,725 | $8,144 | $100,620 |
| 11 | $105,975 | $8,831 | $109,140 |
| 12 | $114,225 | $9,519 | $117,660 |
The FFY 2027 column is projected: it applies 150% to the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines ($15,960 for one person plus $5,680 for each additional person). It is not an adopted state figure.
When Kentucky LIHEAP is open
- Heating assistance: November 3 to December 12, 2025 in the FFY 2026 plan.
- Crisis: January 6 to March 27, 2026.
- Cooling: April 14 to May 22, 2026, offered only if additional money is received.
- Pre-registration: Adults 60 and older, disabled individuals, and households with children, on fixed incomes, may pre-register for heating assistance.
Dates come from the state's FFY 2026 plan as compiled by the LIHEAP Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse notes that actual application periods depend on available funding. OCS announced the first FY 2027 LIHEAP block grant funding release on October 9, 2026 (about $3.6 billion, 90% of funds under the continuing resolution signed September 2, 2026), so states are receiving money now, but each state still sets its own opening date and rules.
What Kentucky LIHEAP pays
The plan lists a minimum benefit of $15 and a maximum of $250.
Winter crisis help is capped at $400. A household qualifies for crisis help with a past-due or disconnect notice (if electric or gas is the primary heat), if it is within four days of running out of bulk fuel such as coal, wood, kerosene, fuel oil or propane, or if it has ten or fewer days of prepaid electric.
Who gets priority and who is excluded
Kentucky's first priority is heating assistance for clients; cooling is offered only if extra funds arrive. Fixed-income older adults, disabled people and households with children can pre-register.
Landlord verification is required to show utilities are part of the rent; a copy of the lease may also be used.
How to apply and what to have ready
Where to apply: Kentucky takes applications through local offices and agencies, not online. The LIHEAP Clearinghouse keeps the state contact and a referral service: LIHEAP Clearinghouse.
- Landlord verification or a copy of your lease if utilities are included in your rent.
- Past-due or disconnect notices, or proof of your fuel supply, if you apply for crisis help.
The plan states plainly that Kentucky does not offer online applications at this time, so you apply through a local office or agency.
The agency that runs the program is the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Community Based Services.
LIHEAP pages for other states
Minnesota Indiana Maryland Colorado Tennessee Washington Connecticut Iowa Oregon Kansas Nebraska
Frequently asked questions
What is the LIHEAP income limit in Kentucky?
Kentucky uses 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. On the FFY 2026 federal tables that is $23,475 a year for one person and $48,225 for four people. For FFY 2027 the projected figure for four people is $49,500.
How much does Kentucky LIHEAP pay?
The plan lists a minimum benefit of $15 and a maximum of $250.
When can I apply for LIHEAP in Kentucky?
Heating assistance: November 3 to December 12, 2025 in the FFY 2026 plan.
Can I apply for Kentucky LIHEAP online?
Not according to the state's FFY 2026 plan, which says Kentucky does not offer online applications. You apply through a local office or agency; ask them about pre-registration if you are 60 or older, disabled or have children on a fixed income.
Is this the official Kentucky limit?
No. It is a lookup of published federal tables and state plans. Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services decides eligibility, and rules for crisis, cooling or equipment help can differ from the heating limit.
Is the FFY 2027 number for Kentucky final?
No. It is a projection that applies the state percentage to the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines. Wait for the state notice before relying on it.
Sources
Read November 1, 2026. Figures are copied from these primary sources; anything calculated or projected is labelled on the page.
- Kentucky FFY 2026 LIHEAP model plan (federal copy, Clearinghouse)
- LIHEAP Clearinghouse, LIHEAP income eligibility for states and territories
- LIHEAP Clearinghouse, state and territory program dates (FY 2026 plans, updated November 25, 2025)
- ACF Office of Community Services, LIHEAP IM2025-02 (poverty guidelines and state median income, mandatory for FY 2026)
- LIHEAP Clearinghouse home, news of the FY 2027 funding release (October 9, 2026)
- HHS ASPE, 2026 poverty guidelines (basis for the projected FFY 2027 figures)
Lookup, not an eligibility decision
Limits shown are for heating assistance. Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and its local offices decide eligibility and can change rules during the season. Everything runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent anywhere.