The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has extended the 2021-2022 Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season until June 17, 2022. Applications for assistance under the program may be filed until that date.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. 

The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $500 to $1,500 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid. 

A crisis grant may be available to households experiencing a heating crisis. Emergency situations include:

• Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
• Lack of fuel
• The main heating source or second heating source (a source that is used to operate the main heating source or used if the main heating source is not working) has been completely shut-off
• The danger of being without fuel (less than a 15 day supply)
• The danger of having utility service terminated (you've received a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days)

How to apply

There are two ways to apply for LIHEAP:

• Online: Apply for benefits online using COMPASS, the online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for health and human service programs and manage benefit information.
• On paper: You can download a paper application, print it, fill it out, and return it to your local county assistance office. 
   
  • 2021-2022 LIHEAP Application — English
  • 2021-2022 LIHEAP Application — Spanish

After your application is reviewed, you will receive written notice explaining your eligibility and the amount of assistance you will receive. Please allow 30 days for a response.

Eligibility

• You must meet income guidelines:

  Household Size	​Income Limit
  ​1	​$19,320
  ​2	$26,130​
  ​3	​$32,940
  ​4	​$39,750
  ​5	​$46,560
  ​6	$53,370
  ​7	​$60,180
  ​8	$66,990​
  ​9	​$73,800
  ​10	​$80,610
  ​For every additional person, add $6,810

• You don't have to be on public assistance
• You don't need to have an unpaid heating bills
• You can rent or own your home   

For more information about LIHEAP, please contact your county assistance office, or call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095, Monday through Friday. Individuals with hearing impairments may call 711.

Assistance with home heating crisis situations is available 24 hours a day. In most counties, you should contact your county assistance office.

Residents of Luzerne and Wyoming counties are encouraged to directly contact:

• Luzerne: Commission on Economic Opportunity of Luzerne County, 
  1-800-822-0359;
• Wyoming: Commission on Economic Opportunity of Wyoming County, 
  570-836-4090.

For more information about LIHEAP and to apply please visit https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx.