LIHEAP Heating Assistance Program Now Open

Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2018-19 heating season, according to Senator Scott Hutchinson.

LIHEAP helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant ranging from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type.  The grant is sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on the family’s bill.

Eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are set at 150 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. The chart below shows the LIHEAP income limits for 2018-19.

Household size      Maximum Income
1 $18,210
2 $24,690
3 $31,170
4 $37,650
5 $44,130
6 $50,610
7 $57,090
8 $63,570
9 $70,050
10 $76,530
Additional person Add $6,480

Households experiencing a heating crisis may be eligible for additional benefits through the LIHEAP crisis program. Emergency situations include:

  • Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
  • Lack of fuel
  • The main heating source or second heating source (a source that is used to operate the main heating source or used if the main heating source is not working) has been completely shut-off
  • Danger of being without fuel (less than a 15 day supply)
  • Danger of having utility service terminated (you’ve received a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days).

Applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are also available at county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Applicants may also call 1-866-857-7095.

More information about LIHEAP is available online at: http://www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/heatingassistanceliheap/index.htm.

 

Contact:          Justin Leventry           (717) 787-9684.

                        Jleventry@pasen.gov

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