Today, April 5, is the last day for Pennsylvanians to apply for assistance in paying their 2023-24 winter heating bills through LIHEAP.
LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, provides up to $1,000 to eligible low-income households to cover heating costs. It offers cash grants, made directly to utilities or home heating fuel providers, as well as crisis grants, which help households dealing with emergencies such a broken furnace or supply line, lack of fuel or a utility termination notice.
To apply for LIHEAP, use the Compass web portal or contact a county assistance office.
“If you or someone you know could benefit from this resource, I encourage you to apply today,” Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said in a statement. “LIHEAP helps some of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians stay warm and safe in their homes.”
Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services was forced to suspend LIHEAP cash grants in early March because funding was held up due to federal budget negotiations. Congress subsequently passed a continuing resolution, which freed up $21 million in LIHEAP funding for Pennsylvania. That will allow cash payments to be restarted soon, the department said.
The department continued to review and process cash grant applications during the pause. Crisis payments were not affected.
