Pennsylvania LIHEAP Opens November 1st

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program available to help eligible customers in Pennsylvania with their heating bills. The program will be open from November 1, 2018 to April 12, 2019. LIHEAP can offer much needed relief for thousands of people across the state who rely on the service.

On October 26, 2018, the Office of Community Services at the Department of Health and Human Services released LIHEAP funds for FY19. The $3.65 billion appropriated for LIHEAP constitutes a 9% increase in funding over the previous year. Unlike in previous years, the Act signed into law has appropriated LIHEAP funds for the entire FY19. LIHEAP has received improved funding of $300 million since FY17, thanks to the good work of program advocates. The total amount allocated to Pennsylvania is more than $206 million.

Customers can apply for components of LIHEAP online through the DHS COMPASS website, at county assistance offices, via mail with a paper application, and through their utility company. In the winter, funds can be used to pay for any home heating source including natural gas, electric, home heating oil, propane, kerosene, wood and coal. In rare instances, funds can also be used to pay water bills where customers have specific types of boilers, certain types of steam heat, or other uncommon water heating systems.

As part of our guidelines, Dollar Energy Fund requires customers seeking grants to apply for LIHEAP funds first if they are eligible, while the program is open. LIHEAP program funding and eligibility varies by state.

For more information, check out this informational brochure or visit the PA DHS website.

Not located in PA? To find out whether you are eligible to receive LIHEAP benefits in your state, contact your state or tribal LIHEAP office. Click here for contact information.