Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and aims to assist residents with heating costs during the winter months. LIHEAP offers financial relief through cash grants that help eligible households pay their home heating bills. These grants are designed to ensure that low-income families can maintain a warm and safe living environment through the coldest parts of the year. The program is funded at the state level and operates annually, with application windows typically opening in November and running through the spring. For the 2025–2026 cycle, the program is open from December 3, 2025, to April 10, 2026. LIHEAP provides cash grants ranging from $200 to $1,000 depending on household income, size, and the type of fuel used. The funds are disbursed as a one-time payment directly to the utility provider or fuel company on behalf of the applicant, not to the individual. In cases of emergency—such as broken heating equipment, lack of fuel, or imminent service termination—crisis grants are also available. These emergency benefits aim to restore or maintain heat swiftly, often within 10 business days or less for time-sensitive, life-threatening scenarios. To qualify, applicants must meet income thresholds determined by household size. Both renters and homeowners are eligible. The program does not require applicants to participate in other public assistance programs or have overdue utility bills. Income limits range from $23,475 for a single-person household up to $97,725 for a ten-person household, with an additional $8,250 permitted per additional household member. Eligibility includes all residents of a household, whether related or unrelated, who share living expenses. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at local County Assistance Offices. Required documents include proof of income for all household members and a recent bill from the primary heating source. Additional documentation may be needed in certain cases, such as non-citizen status or rent-included utility payments. Once reviewed, applicants will be notified of their eligibility and benefit amount within approximately 30 days. If applying for a crisis grant, the timeline for response is expedited. Applicants must reapply annually. Those who received benefits in the prior year will be notified during the pre-season period and encouraged to submit early. Although LIHEAP follows an annual cycle, the state has coordinated with utility companies to prevent heat service termination in November for LIHEAP-eligible households. General inquiries can be directed to the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-866-857-7095 or to the local County Assistance Office.

Apply early, especially if reapplying, as early applications receive notice during pre-season. Include all household income for accurate eligibility.