PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) - LIHEAP has finished up the first phase of their heating assistance program where anyone can apply and they are now preparing for the next phase. The first phase of the low income home energy assistance program or LIHEAP served more than 8500 house holds. The next phase, the crisis program, is a little bit different.

Big Sandy Area Community Action Program Executive Director Mike Howell explains, "To be in a crisis situation they have to be without bulk fuel within the next four days, and that would be coal, kerosene, propane, that sort of thing, or if they heat with electric they have to have a disconnect notice."

Officials are expecting to see a lot of applicants starting January 7th, "It being first come first serve, there will be a lot of people here the first few days and everyone won't be served on the day they show up," says Howell. Community Resource Representative Jennifer Vanhoose says, "we have probably close to 200 people show up for the day, we only process if we can around 100 applications in a day."

Officials say it is important to have all documentation ready when applying including: verification of pay, social security cards for everyone in the home, utility bill with physical address, documentation that you are out of bulk fuel within four days of applying, and if you heat with electric or natural gas you must have a disconnect notice.

The crisis program is set to run from January 7th through March 31st or until they run out of funds. Officials urge folks with a great need to apply as soon as possible. The BSACAP offices will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m until 4:30 p.m.