Applications accepted beginning Monday, Nov. 2.
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Heating Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, will begin accepting applications on Monday, November 2nd, according to state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23).
The federally-funded and state-administered Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay for home heating fuel and provides crisis grants to address heating emergencies, such as a furnace failure or unexpected fuel shortages.
“Each year, and especially this year due to the economic downturn, many of Pennsylvania’s low income, elderly and disabled residents have had difficulty paying their home energy bills,” said Sen. Yaw. “This funding protects those most vulnerable residents during the winter months so they can heat their homes. I urge everyone who may be eligible for the LIHEAP program to apply.”
Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) Web site 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.
To apply and determine eligibility, Pennsylvania residents can call the LIHEAP hotline, 1-866-857-7095, or contact their local county assistance office. In Lycoming County, the county assistance office can be reached at 570-327-3497; Bradford County – 570-265-9186; Sullivan County – 570-946-7174; Susquehanna County – 570-278-0056 and Union County – 570-522-8900.
In addition to LIHEAP, many utility companies offer their own assistance plans. Interested customers should check with their individual heating fuel and electricity suppliers for more information.
CONTACT:
Rita Zielonis, Chief of Staff
(717) 787-3280