Pennsylvania residents can apply for funds to cut heating costs through LIHEAP

Pennsylvanians can start applying for cash grants to help them pay heating bills this winter.

Pennsylvanians who need help with their home heating bills can start applying for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides assistance for home heating bills to low income families who either rent or own. Cash assistance grants range from $200 to $1,000. The grant is distributed directly to the household’s utility company or home heating fuel provider.

The income limit for the program is 150% of the federal poverty limit — $46,800 annually for a family of four. Even if you don’t know whether you qualify, you can still apply. Anyone who was denied previously but has experienced a change in circumstances can reapply.

The LIHEAP application period for cash and crisis grants opened Nov. 4  and runs through April 4, 2025. Individuals and households may receive one cash grant per LIHEAP season.

“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the dignity and peace of mind of knowing they can heat their homes and keep themselves and their families warm and safe during the darkest and coldest months of the year,” said PA Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “I encourage anyone who may need help with heating costs this winter to apply for LIHEAP today and keep your home safe through the cold months.”

Separately, Pennsylvanians who qualify for a LIHEAP crisis grant are eligible for a grant ranging from $25 to $1,000. Individuals and households are eligible for a crisis grant if they meet the income guidelines and are in jeopardy of having their heating utility service terminated, have already had their heating utility service terminated, or who are out of or have less than two weeks’ worth of deliverable fuel. Households may apply for and be eligible for more than one crisis grant – up to the $1,000 maximum – if they experience more than one emergency per LIHEAP season.

Last year, more than 300,000 households statewide received more than $1 million in LIHEAP cash benefits. The average benefit was $374. 

You can apply for LIHEAP benefits online at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS.