November 1, 2010 – Starting Nov. 1, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has expanded. This means that nearly 533,376 Pennsylvanians will be eligible for the program and may be able to receive assistance with home heating bills this year.
LIHEAP is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income households for heating and home energy bills. The program, run by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW), provides both cash and crisis benefits to eligible households. Cash benefits help customers pay for their home energy needs while crisis payments assist with emergency home energy situations.
This year, Pennsylvania has received $249.5 million in federal basic grant funds as well as an additional $6.87 million in 2009-2010 LIHEAP emergency contingency funding which will be added to the 2010-2011 LIHEAP program budget. This additional funding has expanded eligibility to include Pennsylvanians earning up to $35,280 for a family of four.
In addition to the expansion, LIHEAP cash and crisis grants will also be increased. Minimum cash grants will increase to $300 with the maximum benefit of $1000. The minimum crisis benefit is $25 with the maximum at $400. Supplemental payments of $100 will also be issued to vulnerable households with elderly or disabled household member or children under five years old.
If you think you may be eligible to benefit from the LIHEAP expansion, you can apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us, come to my King of Prussia office to apply in person, or download an application below.
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