The deepening of cold winter weather combined with rising utility costs leaves many households unable to fully meet heating bills but starting Monday, January 4, 2010 help is on the way.

Community Action of Southern Kentucky began its crisis portion of Low-Income Home Energy Program or LIHEAP.

The state wide program assist households with heating bills or purchase sufficient bulk fuel to keep their families safe and warm.

Applications will only be taken in person at convenient Community Action partnership locations.

"The application has to be made in person. They have sign certain applications and we have to have hard copies of things you just can't do over the telephone," says Randy Upchurch, CA Community Service Coordinator.

To apply you must have a social security card from everyone in the house, proof of income from December, and a late notice from the utility company.

Last year nearly 7,000 residents received assistance in the ten counties Community Action of Southern Kentucky serves.