Kentucky WinterCare fund helps the low-income pay for heat.
The WinterCare program is a heating bill assistance program that is sponsored by utility and gas companies across Kentucky. Credits can be issued to qualified families that need help and applications are processed at a local community action agency or neighborhood center. Find details on the KY Wintercare program below.
The program relies on donations from the public with matching funds from the energy companies. Utility companies such as Duke Energy, Kentucky Utilities, LG & E and others encourage customer to apply for it. Other charities in KY will often have information on it, such as the Salvation Army or Catholic Charities. Staff from these organizations can help individuals apply for the program or direct them to intake sites.
How the WinterCare program helps
The amount of financial help provided by WinterCare is limited. One of the key reasons being that is that it depends on donations from the community, including businesses and private individuals. Utility and gas companies will also generally contribute to the program on an annual basis or they may make matching grants. Many of the Kentucky residents that benefit are seniors, families with young children, or the disabled.
The program is crucial for struggling households who may not qualify for federal assistance from say LIHEAP but still struggle to afford heating costs. As WinterCare serves as a last resort, intended for those who have depleted other government or local charitable utility assistance options. While the amount of financial help / credit for heating expenses will vary based on funding levels, utility company and other factors, it is generally in the couple to few hundred dollar range. However the credit can be combined with other utility company specific programs such as find how to get help with Kentucky Utilities (KU) bills.
Contributions to Wintercare are always needed and appreciated. In order to make a donation and if you would like to share the warmth with those that are less fortunate in your community, any donations can be made in one of two ways. People may decide to add a donation to their monthly utility bill. Most monthly bills (whether online or paper bills, including those from KU, have a special notation that people can use to notate their WinterCare donation. Individuals can make a one-time or recurring donation.
- Another way to contribute is to mail in a donation. Check with your community action agency or energy provider for the address in your community. Any funds that people contribute will be tax deductible and make a difference in the lives of someone that is less fortunate.
Apply and contact for Wintercare
In order to apply for assistance, call a non-profit as indicated. Qualified customers will receive a one-time payment from WinterCare during the year as long as funding is available. The best place to call to apply is a community action agency in Kentucky for financial help.
However several cities in Kentucky, such as Louisville and LExington among others, have Neighborhood Centers that operate in the region. These locations may also accept and process applications to WinterCare. Or as indicated try a local Salvation Army center or other non-profit for information or referrals. Lastly, a customer can always contact their energy company. For Duke customers, if they have additional questions about making a contribution to WinterCare or maybe need a referral to an application site, they can dial 1-800-544-6900.
While as indicated people can call their local community action agency to apply, some of the primary Neighborhood Centers are listed below. These locations can also accept and process applications.
- Boone County Neighborhood Center, 6616 Dixie Highway, Florence, KY 41042. Call (859) 586-9250
- Campbell County Neighborhood Center, 437 West Ninth Street, Newport, KY 41071, dial (859) 300-0439
- Carroll County Neighborhood Center, Applications are accepted at 41014 Seminary Street, Carrollton, KY 41008. Phone: (502) 732-5253
- Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison, and Nicholas Counties, Community Action Council, 710 W High St. Lexington, call (859) 233-4600
- Gallatin County Neighborhood Center provides heating help and support from 100 Davis Drive, Warsaw, KY 41095. Phone: (859) 567-4660
- Grant County Neighborhood Center, 1116 North Main Street, Williamstown, KY 41097. Main phone: (859) 824-4768
- Jefferson County has a Neighborhood Center as part of the Louisville Metro Community Action Partnership, 810 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY, 40204, phone (502) 574-1157
- Kenton County Neighborhood Center, 533 W Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011. Phone: (859) 655-2986
- Owen County Neighborhood Center, 970 US-127 N, Owenton, KY 40359. For application info call (502) 484-2116
- Pendleton County Neighborhood Center, 251 Highway 330, Falmouth, KY 41040. Main number is (859) 654-4054
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