HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania has extended its home heating assistance program through May 8, giving residents additional time to apply for aid as more than 233,000 households have already received support this season.
What This Means for You
- The LIHEAP application deadline is now May 8, 2026
- Cash and crisis grants are available for heating costs and emergencies
- Assistance does not need to be repaid and is open to renters and homeowners
The Department of Human Services said the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, was extended after a delayed start to the season tied to a federal government shutdown.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay heating bills through direct payments to utility companies or fuel providers.
Who Qualifies And What They Receive
As of late March, more than 233,000 households have received LIHEAP cash benefits averaging $282, while nearly 83,000 households received crisis grants averaging $558.
Cash grants range from $200 to $1,000 and help reduce monthly heating costs.
Crisis grants, which range from $25 to $1,000, are available to households facing emergencies such as service shutoffs or running out of heating fuel.
To qualify, households must have incomes at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, which equals $23,940 annually for an individual and $48,500 for a family of four.
Program Availability And Funding
State officials said funding remains sufficient to continue the current season despite uncertainty around future federal support.
“LIHEAP helps Pennsylvanians around our Commonwealth heat their homes and keep themselves and their families warm through the winter,” Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said, urging residents still struggling with heating costs to apply before the deadline.
Officials said no changes are expected for the current season, but continued federal funding will be needed to maintain the program in future years.
How To Apply
Residents can apply online at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS or by calling 1-866-550-4355.
Applications can also be submitted in person at local County Assistance Offices.
Officials said households must apply each year and encouraged those previously denied to reapply, as eligibility may change.
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