You may be eligible to receive cash grants and additional benefits to help you with your heating bill.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (“LIHEAP”) provides financial assistance to low income households who are having trouble with their energy bills. It is a federal program administered by the PA Department of Welfare (“DPW”). LIHEAP is available as of November 4, 2013 and is expected to close April 4, 2014, depending on availability of funds.
To qualify for LIHEAP, household incomes must not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. A household of one may not receive monthly income of more than $1,436 and a household of two cannot exceed a monthly income of $1,938. Homeowners and tenants responsible for paying for their heat are eligible to apply. Households may qualify for three types of assistance under LIHEAP and may qualify for more than one form of assistance.
· The LIHEAP Cash grant assists eligible individuals with the payment of their heating bill. Eligible households may receive grants ranging from $100 to $1,000, depending on factors such as household size, income and fuel type. Households do not need to be in shut-off status or owe an outstanding bill to their utility company to qualify for the Cash grant.
· The LIHEAP Crisis Exception, open from November 4, 2013 until January 1, 2014 only assists individuals who are without heat. The LIHEAP Crisis, which is open from January 2, 2014 and expected to close April 4, 2014, provides assistance to individuals who are at risk of utility shut-off or losing their heat source. Individuals may be eligible to receive grants from $25 to $500. To be eligible an individual must submit proof of actual or imminent utility emergency, such as a utility termination notice. The grant, either alone or in combination with other resources, must resolve the emergency.
· The LIHEAP Crisis Interface/Weatherization Assistance Program assists with repair or replacement of heating systems and assists with repairs that include broken windows and insulation
You may request an application by contacting the LIHEAP office at 215-560-1583, the Statewide LIHEAP Hotline at 1-866-857-7095, your local DPW County Assistance Office, or your utility company. You may send or drop your application off at the LIHEAP office located at 1348 W. Sedgley Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19132 Monday-Friday 8:30-5pm or fax it to 215-560-2260. You may also apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us. One application may be used to apply for all of the types of assistance.
Please call the Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Helpline at (215) 988-1242 or toll free at 1-877-727-7529 Monday through Thursday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for additional information.