Get Ready for Winter: Pennsylvania Residents Can Apply for Heating Assistance

As the chill of winter approaches, many Pennsylvanians may find themselves burdened with rising heating costs. This season, the Keystone State is stepping up to help alleviate some of that financial strain through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Beginning Monday, homeowners and renters can apply for assistance that could total up to ,000 to help cover their winter heating bills.

What is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP is a critical program designed to support low-income households in managing their energy costs. With energy bills expected to climb this winter, the timing of this assistance could not be better. Families have been grappling with high heating expenses for multiple winters, and this year could be no different. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) recognizes the pressing need for financial help, especially as Secretary Val Arkoosh pointed out during a recent visit to a Harrisburg YMCA and food pantry, stating, “No one should ever have to choose between heating their home to keep their family warm or paying for food, rent, medications, or essential items.”

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility for LIHEAP grants in Pennsylvania is based on annual household income. To qualify, an individual’s income needs to be at or below 150% of the federal poverty limit. For instance, a single individual can earn no more than ,590, and a family of four must make ,800 or less. However, if you believe you need assistance, it’s encouraged to apply regardless of whether you think you meet the eligibility criteria. As Secretary Arkoosh emphasized, “If you need help with your heating assistance, just apply.”

In neighboring New Jersey, the parameters are slightly different, where households must earn at or below 60% of the state’s median income — that equates to ,896 for individuals and ,108 for families of four.

Financial Assistance Breakdown

The LIHEAP grants can significantly help ease the burden of heating costs. In Pennsylvania, eligible residents can receive between 0 and ,000, depending on household size, income level, and the type of fuel used. This financial support goes directly to utility providers and does not require repayment. Last winter, households that benefited from LIHEAP received an average of 4.

New Jersey offers similar support; however, the amount varies based on heating regions. Customers of PSE&G, one of New Jersey’s largest energy providers, saw an average grant of around 0 toward their heating bills last year.

Additionally, there are LIHEAP crisis grants available for people facing extreme emergencies, like the risk of having their heating shut off. These grants range from to ,000, and individuals can apply for multiple crisis grants within the same season, as long as their total support doesn’t exceed ,000.

How to Apply

For those in Pennsylvania looking to apply for LIHEAP, applications can be submitted through the DHS website at PLACEHOLDERd3992cdce7e54a7f or by calling 1-866-550-4355. The application window is open until April 5, 2024. For New Jersey residents, applications can be submitted online or through local community action agencies until funding runs out or by June 30. More information is available at PLACEHOLDERf2dff73faf036b0c or by calling 1-800-510-3102.

Important Reminder

If you believe you might be eligible for heating assistance, it is crucial to apply as soon as possible due to the first-come, first-served nature of the funding. Regardless of whether you received assistance in previous years, a new application is required annually.

This winter, don’t let heating costs leave you out in the cold. The LIHEAP program is a valuable resource that can offer relief to many who are grappling with the financial demands of home heating. Make sure to check your eligibility and consider applying for this essential support as we head into the colder months.