FRANKFORT - Kentuckians facing a heating crisis may apply for funds to assist them through March 31.

Governor Ernie Fletcher says that this year the state has $7 million more available in energy assistance funds that last year, to help Kentuckians in need of assistance with heating bills.

The state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a short-term aid program that operates its first phase - subsidy - in November and December and is available to clients at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

The Kentucky Association for Community Action (KACA) administers LIHEAP benefits through its network of 23 community action agencies (CAAs) under a contract with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Every county has at least one. In Bell County, the office is located on Pine Street in Pineville.

Coming into the second phase or crisis, another qualification is added to the income standards. Eligible clients must be within four days of exhausting fuel or have received a disconnect notice from their utility company. The crisis phase began Monday, January 8, and will end March 31 or until the available funds are exhausted. Families in Bell County must apply at Bell-Whitley Community Action Services, on Pine Street.

Kentucky families facing immediate cutoff of their utilities may qualify for assistance for heating their homes this winter.

In the crisis assistance phase, qualifying clients may receive up to $250 in cumulative aid for gas and electricity. Bulk fuel assistance will vary depending on the need.

Assistance may take the form of utility payment, service reconnection, blankets, space heaters on loan or deliveries of fuel like firewood, coal or propane. Relief is provided within 48 hours, or 18 hours in an emergency.

To request LIHEAP funding, applicants must provide the following items: