PENNSYLVANIA — The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application process for the 2023-24 season has officially been announced by Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Department of Human Services (DHS), along with Stephen DeFrank, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). The announcement was made during their visit Wednesday to Tri-County Community Action (TCCA) in Enola.
LIHEAP, a federally-funded program administered by DHS, offers aid to Pennsylvanians with low incomes, helping them cover their home heating bills during the winter months. The program is open to both renters and homeowners. Applications for the upcoming season are accepted from November 1, 2023, to April 5, 2024.
Grant amounts for this season will return to traditional figures, with the minimum cash grant being $300 and the maximum $1,000. Crisis grants range from $25 to $1,000. These grants do not have to be repaid and are sent directly to the utility company or home heating fuel provider of the recipient.
Last season, over 312,000 households statewide received more than $125 million in cash benefits, while over 135,000 households received more than $98 million in crisis benefits. The income limits for LIHEAP are 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, allowing an individual earning up to $21,870 or a family of four earning up to $45,000 to qualify.
Applications for LIHEAP can be submitted online using COMPASS, the online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for health and human service programs. Alternatively, paper applications can be downloaded, filled out, and returned to local county assistance offices.
“Keeping your home warm during the coldest and darkest months of the year is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “Every Pennsylvanian deserves the dignity and peace of mind of knowing that their heat will not be shut off this winter. LIHEAP helps many of our fellow Pennsylvanians make ends meet by providing cash or crisis grants directly to their utility or home heating fuel provider. If you or someone you know needs help or could benefit from this program, I encourage you to apply for LIHEAP today.”
Residents of Pennsylvania can easily apply for LIHEAP and other public assistance programs either online at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS or by phone at 1-866-550-4355. You don’t need to be aware of your eligibility to apply to these beneficial programs. If you were previously denied but have encountered a change in circumstances, don’t hesitate to reapply.
For additional information regarding LIHEAP, visit dhs.pa.gov/liheap.
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