While Kentucky is no longer in a state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic or for weather-related issues, many in the Commonwealth still face financial delinquency in one or more categories.
During his Thursday “Team Kentucky” update, Gov. Andy Beshear brought to attention five specific relief programs still available to communities statewide — many of which can bring assistance to deep debts.
The Team Kentucky Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund can provide up to 15 months of past due and future utility bills for both renters and landlords, who in the last two years may have let notices stack.
To view application requirements, visit stopmyeviction.org.
Homeowners have been impacted, as well, and the Homeowners Assistance Fund application can be found at teamkyhaf.ky.gov. It can provide up to $35,000 in assistance to those who qualify, and can toward paying homeowners insurace, mortgage payments, HOA fees, property taxes and other associated costs.
If awarded, funds are paid as grants to the required entities.
In December 2021, the FCC announced its “Affordable Connectivity” Program, in what is a $14 billion long-term program to provide internet access to the country’s deepest reaches. The need stemmed from a pandemic that forced remote work and school learning into homes and small businesses, and revealed a lacking high-speed internet structure across the United States.
Qualifying homes can receive up to a $30 deduction of its internet costs, and can be applied for at fcc.gov/acp.
The Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program, found online at kynect.ky.gov/benefits, helps eligible families pay these costs — which are often accrued when one or more caretakers has to work specific shifts.
And Community Action Agencies has 23 locations across the state.
They can be found at capky.org.