Applications for 2011-2012 LIHEAP Season are Now Available

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Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program LogoThe Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP, helps low-income families pay their heating bills. LIHEAP is a grant that offers assistance in the form of a cash grant, sent directly to the utility company, or a crisis grant for households in immediate danger of being without heat.

How to Apply:  There are three different ways you can apply for LIHEAP, online, on paper, or in person

  1. You can apply for the LIHEAP benefits online by using COMPASS. COMPASS is the name of the website where you can apply for LIHEAP and many other services that can help you make ends meet.
     
  2. Download an application for LIHEAP benefits by clicking on the links below and return it to your local county assistance office, or
    English- Energy Assistance Application
    Spanish-Energy Assistance Application
     
  3. File an application at your local county assistance office.

For more information, please contact your local county assistance office or contact the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095, Monday through Friday (individuals with hearing impairments may call the TDD number at 1-800-451-5886).

Crisis Grants: **The crisis program is open beginning Nov. 1, 2011.

In addition to the LIHEAP cash program, households experiencing a heating crisis may be eligible for additional benefits through one of the two components of the LIHEAP crisis program
 

Crisis Exception program

Households without heat may qualify for additional help. To be considered “without heat”:

  • 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;
    OR
  • A household has almost run out of their supply of main heating fuel (coal, fuel oil, kerosene, propane, wood, etc.).

Households in need of a Crisis Exception grant should contact their local county assistance office.

Regular Crisis program

Additional money may be available if you have an emergency situation and are in jeopardy of losing your heat.

Emergency situations include:

  • Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
  • Lack of fuel
  • Termination of utility service
  • Danger of being without fuel (less than a 15 day supply) or of having utility service terminated (received a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days)

Assistance with home heating crisis situations will be available 24 hours a day; in most counties, you should contact your local county assistance office. However, residents of the three counties listed below are encouraged to directly contact their local agencies that operate the crisis component in their areas:

Allegheny - Allegheny County Department of Human Services,1-800-851-3838;
Luzerne - Commission on Economic Opportunity of Luzerne Co., 1-800-822-0359;
Wyoming - Commission on Economic Opportunity of Wyoming Co., (570) 836-4090.

General Information about LIHEAP:

Turn down. Seal off. Save up: Additional tips and resources to stay warm this winter

Home heating costs are a big part of your budget. Combined with increasing food and gas prices, staying warm all through this winter could be very difficult. Pennsylvania is doing everything it can to provide financial help to pay home heating bills and weatherization expenses, but making sure you have the resources to outlast winter starts with you. With a little planning and a little knowledge, you’ll be protected from the cold and your heat can last all winter.

Explore the links below to get the tips you need to keep your home warm all winter long.

www.simplyinsulate.com
www.keystonehelp.com
www.energysavers.gov
www.weatherize.com

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has many resources to help keep individuals and families warm during Pennsylvania winters, visit their site to learn more.

If you live outside of Philadelphia, visit the $1 Energy Fund at www.dollarenergy.org or contact your utility company for information on programs that may help you pay your utility bill.

If you live in Philadelphia, visit the Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) at www.uesfacts.org or call (215) 972-5170 for information on a program that may help you pay your utility bill.