The 2021-2022 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is now open.
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 to 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.
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.
Eligibility
- You must meet income guidelines
- You don’t have to be on public assistance
- You don’t need to have unpaid heating bills
- You can rent or own your home
Income Requirements
Here are the LIHEAP income requirements for 2021-2022
| 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 |
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 Information
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.