The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) has released the 2011-2012 electronic edition of The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Pennsylvania Advocates Manual. It has been developed and produced by the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) for use by members of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network and others who assist low-income individuals.

The 2011-2012 Manual has been updated and is different from earlier editions circulated in prior years. Please replace any older version. This year’s edition has been edited to contain program changes, current forms, references, website links, additional issues and advocacy suggestions. Citations are provided in the footnotes. Contact lists and forms are provided in the Appendices.

Although an essential program, the different aspects and components of LIHEAP change from year to year and are therefore not always well understood by advocates and by applicants. Many eligible consumers do not apply, and those who do often receive less than their full potential benefits. This Manual is intended to be a working reference to aid in providing understanding of and access to the benefits provided by Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP.

PULP urges advocates to share this Manual with others who are assisting consumers. PULP also requests your input regarding the success of the Manual in meeting your needs and welcomes any suggestions for modification. The Manual may be downloaded at the link below. A permanent link to the Manual also appears in the PLAN Brief and Information Bank for advocates working in PLAN programs.

2011-2012 LIHEAP Advocates Manual