Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now open for business. LIHEAP provides assistance, to both renters and homeowners, for home heating bills to keep low-income Pennsylvanians warm and safe during the winter months. LIHEAP goes from Nov. 1, 2018 to April 12, 2019. Last season, 344,008 households statewide received $115,936,887 million in LIHEAP cash benefits. These households received an average season benefit of $337. LIHEAP benefits are paid directly to the utility company.
Eligibility for the 2018-19 LIHEAP season is set at 150 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines, which means for a household of one, the maximum income is $18,210, and for a household of four, the income limit is $37,650. CLICK HERE to view the income guidelines.
To apply, applicants will need: names of people in the household, dates of birth for all household members, Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of income for all household members, and a recent heating bill. There are three ways to apply for LIHEAP: online, on paper, or in person. To apply online CLICK HERE. Download the paper application by CLICKING HERE (for English) and HERE (Español). Applicants should print the application, fill it out, and return it to their local county assistance office. To apply in-person, visit the local county assistance office to fill out an application in person.
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)
For more information about LIHEAP, please contact the county assistance office, or call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095, Monday through Friday. Individuals with hearing impairments may call 711.
Assistance with home heating crisis situations is available 24 hours a day. In most counties, applicants should contact the county assistance office.
Residents of Luzerne and Wyoming counties are encouraged to directly contact the Commission on Economic Opportunity:
- Luzerne County: 1-800-822-0359
- Wyoming County: 570-836-4090
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