About LIHEAP
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 $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.
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.
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.
Documents
- LIHEAP Policy Handbook
- LIHEAP State Plan
- 2023-2024 LIHEAP Application — English
- 2023-2024 LIHEAP Application — SpanishLIHEAP Benefits Table
Additional Information
Income Requirements
Here are the LIHEAP income requirements for 2023-2024
Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
1 | $21,870 |
2 | $29,580 |
3 | $37,290 |
4 | $45,000 |
5 | $52,710 |
6 | $60,420 |
7 | $68,130 |
8 | $75,840 |
9 | $83,550 |
| 10 | $91,260 |
For every additional person, add $7,7,10
| |
Eligibility
- You must meet income guidelines
- 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
Crisis Grants
Households experiencing a heating crisis may be eligible for additional benefits through the LIHEAP crisis program. 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)
Contact Us
For more information about LIHEAP, please contact your county assistance office, Individuals with hearing impairments may call 711.
LIHEAP State Plan
LIHEAP Public Hearing Schedule
All interested individuals are invited to testify about the proposed LIHEAP State Plan for 2024-2025. Two teleconferencing meetings are available for public participation:
- Tuesday, June 25, 2024; 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Call in: (267) 332-8737 Conference ID: 399041813#
- Online: LIHEAP Public Hearing - June 25, 2024
- Tuesday, July 2, 2024; 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Call in: (267) 332-8737 Conference ID: 579305412#
- Online: LIHEAP Public Hearing – July 2, 2024
Persons who wish to testify on the proposed State Plan at a public hearing should arrange a time by telephoning (717) 772-7906. Persons from outside the Harrisburg area should call (800) 692-7462 or send a written request, including telephone number, to Division of Federal Programs and Program Management, Department of Human Services, CoPA HUB, Suite 240/250, PO BOX 2675, Harrisburg PA 17105-2675. Individuals also may submit written comments at any of the public hearings, by e-mail to LIHEAPmail@pa.gov, or by mail to the address above by July 12, 2024. Persons with a hearing or speech impairment may submit comments through the Pennsylvania Telecommunications Relay Service by calling 711.
The LIHEAP final State Plan for Federal Fiscal Year 2024 was submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is available for viewing.
In addition to soliciting advice from the LIHEAP Advisory Committee (LAC), DHS held public hearings on the LIHEAP proposed Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 in compliance with Federal LIHEAP requirements. This year, hearings were held via teleconference on June 27, June 29, and July 6.
- A total of eight persons attended the hearings.
- A total of eight individuals or organizations provided oral testimony at the hearings and
- 14 additional individual or organization presented written mail-in testimony.
LAC recommendations and all other comments and testimony were taken into consideration in developing program parameters for the Final State Plan.