FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Hardship Program

Dollar Energy Fund’s Pennsylvania Hardship Program provides one-time assistance grants to FirstEnergy customers that are applied directly to their utility bill. Funding is available on a first come, first serve basis and eligibility requirements vary based on the utility company. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

Partnering FirstEnergy Utility Companies

Met-Ed, a FirstEnergy Company

Penelec, a FirstEnergy Company

Penn Power, a FirstEnergy Company

West Penn Power, a FirstEnergy Company

If applicants are eligible and programs are open, applicants must apply for LIHEAP and CRISIS before applying for the Dollar Energy Fund Hardship Program.

Program Dates

• Open from October 23, 2023, through November 30, 2023, for services that are off or in threat of termination.
• Open from December 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024, for services that are off only.
• Open from February 1, 2024, through February 28, 2024, for services that are off or in threat of termination.
• Starting March 1, 2024, the program is open regardless of service status.

Customers of FirstEnergy with a total household income of 150% or below the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines must inquire about FirstEnergy’s PCAP program before applying for a grant. FirstEnergy PCAP customers may be eligible to receive a grant, pending utility company review.

Sincere Effort of Payment

Applicants must have paid at least $150 on their accounts in the past three months. Senior Citizens, age 62 and over, must have paid at least $100 on their accounts.

Exceptions may be made in cases of extreme hardships.

Balance Requirement

Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their utility bill of at least $100.

Senior Citizens, age 62 and over, may have a $0 balance as long as there is no existing credit on the account.

Maximum Grant

The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $500.

Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/2/2023 – 9/30/2024)

Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-to-case basis.

If a customer’s utility service is off or in threat of termination when they apply and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied. The amount needed to restore service or stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that their application was denied and that an additional payment is required in order to be considered for assistance.

Additional Guidelines

• Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No “cooking only”, commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.
• Name on account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.
• Dollar Energy Fund grants cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees.

Income Guidelines

Total gross household income must be at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program.

Household income should be calculated using the before tax amount for all household members, including minors. Minor income includes child support, SS, and DPA cash assistance, but does not include wages.

Household Size	250% Monthly	250% Yearly
1	$3,138	$37,650
2	$4,258	$51,100
3	$5,379	$64,550
4	$6,500	$78,000
5	$7,621	$91,450
6	$8,742	$104,900
7	$9,863	$118,350
8	$10,983	$131,800
Each add’l add	$1,121	$13,450

Application Attachments

• Verification of income or proof of LIHEAP or Crisis application, when those programs are open, must be attached to all applications.
• A copy of the most recent utility bill with proof of minimum payment must be attached to all applications.