Kentucky's LIHEAP income limit depends on your household size, not a single dollar amount

Kentucky sets its Low Income Home Energy information Program (LIHEAP) income limit as a percentage of the federal poverty guideline for your household size. The exact dollar amount changes each year when the federal poverty guidelines are updated, usually in January. For the 2024–2025 program year, Kentucky's limit is 60% of the state median income, which translates to different thresholds depending on how many people live in your home.

You can find the current income limits on the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services website, or by calling your local Community Action Agency office. Because these limits shift annually and vary by household size, calling ahead takes five minutes and gives you a definitive answer for your situation rather than relying on a number that may have changed.

Key Takeaways

  • Kentucky's LIHEAP income limit is set at 60% of state median income and changes each program year, so the exact dollar amount for your household size is not fixed.
  • Your household size — the number of people living with you and sharing expenses — determines which income bracket applies to you.
  • You can find your household's specific income limit by contacting your local Community Action Agency or the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
  • Income counted toward the limit includes wages, Social Security, unemployment, child support, and other regular monthly income, but not all sources count the same way.

How Kentucky calculates your household size for income limits

Your household includes everyone living in your home who shares food and expenses with you, whether or not they are related to you. This typically means a spouse, children, parents, or other relatives under one roof. It does not include roommates who buy and cook their own food separately, or adult children who pay their own way.

When you contact a Community Action Agency to learn your income limit, have your household count ready. The caseworker will tell you the maximum monthly or annual income your household can have and still be within the program's reach. If your income is above that number, you do not meet the income requirement, even if you are struggling to pay heating or cooling bills.

What income counts toward the LIHEAP limit

LIHEAP counts most regular monthly income: wages from employment, Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), unemployment insurance, child support, alimony, and pension payments. If someone in your household receives these, they go into the total that is compared against Kentucky's limit.

Some income does not count. Tax refunds, one-time payments, gifts, and money from selling personal items are typically excluded. If you receive TANF (Temporary information for Needy Families) or SNAP (food stamps), those benefits themselves do not count as income for LIHEAP purposes, though the cash information from TANF does. The rules can shift depending on the income source, so when you call your Community Action Agency, ask them to walk through your specific income sources rather than guessing which ones matter.

Income limits for different household sizes in Kentucky

Because Kentucky's limit is tied to state median income rather than a fixed dollar amount, the thresholds shift each year. The program year typically runs from November through October, and new limits take effect in November. A household of one has a lower limit than a household of four, and the difference grows as household size increases.

Your local Community Action Agency has a current income chart for the program year you are asking about. Rather than listing outdated numbers here, contact them directly — they can tell you in one call whether your household's income falls within the current limit. Many agencies can also tell you over the phone whether you are close to the cutoff, which helps you decide whether to move forward with the process.

What happens if your income is above the limit

If your household income exceeds Kentucky's LIHEAP limit, you do not meet the income requirement for that program year. However, you may still have other heating or cooling information options through your utility company, local nonprofits, or state emergency funds. Some utilities offer their own low-income information programs that have different income thresholds, and some Community Action Agencies run separate emergency funds outside of LIHEAP.

If you are just above the limit, ask your caseworker whether you can reapply in the next program year if your income drops, or whether there are other programs you might reach. Circumstances change — a job loss, reduced hours, or a household member moving out can shift your income situation, and the program year resets in November.

How to find your exact income limit

The fastest way is to call your county's Community Action Agency directly. They have the current income chart for your household size and can tell you the limit in one conversation. You can find your local agency through the Kentucky Community Action Partnership website or by calling 211 (a free helpline that connects you to local resources).

When you call, have your household size ready and be prepared to list your household members' monthly income sources. The caseworker will tell you whether you are within the limit and what documents you will need to bring if you decide to move forward. Some agencies also accept applications online or by mail, so ask about the fastest route for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my income limit change if someone moves in or out of my house?

Yes. Your household size determines which income bracket applies, so adding or removing a household member changes the limit that applies to you. If someone moves out and your household size shrinks, your new limit will be lower. Contact your Community Action Agency to update your household size if it changes during the program year.

If I'm self-employed, how do I count my income for LIHEAP?

Self-employment income is typically counted as your net income after business expenses, not your gross revenue. You will need to provide tax returns or profit-and-loss statements to show what you actually earned. Ask your Community Action Agency what documents they need before you explore, since self-employment income requires more documentation than wages.

What if my income varies month to month?

LIHEAP usually looks at your average monthly income over the past 30 to 60 days, or sometimes the past year if your income is highly seasonal. Bring recent pay stubs, bank statements, or benefit letters that show your typical income. If you have had a recent job change or loss, tell the caseworker — they may count your income differently depending on whether the change is temporary or permanent.

Can I still explore if I'm on disability or retirement?

Yes. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and retirement benefits all count as income toward the limit, but they do not disqualify you. Many LIHEAP participants are on fixed incomes. Your benefit amount is compared against the income limit for your household size, just like any other income.

Do I need to reapply every year, or does my income limit stay the same?

You typically need to reapply each program year, which begins in November. Even if you were within the limit last year, the income threshold changes annually, and your household's income may have changed too. Contact your Community Action Agency in October or early November to learn the new limits and reapply if you are still within reach.