State extends low-income heating program
SUNBURY — The state Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program season has been extended to April 18.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, more than 300,000 families use the program, LIHEAP, which is especially critical for older adults and low-income families.
The original end of the program for the 2024-25 winter season was April 4.
'The LIHEAP season is now closing for the year on April 18, so Pennsylvanians who may still need help with their heating bills from this winter should apply now,' DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh said. 'LIHEAP helps our community's most vulnerable citizens — children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income families — make ends meet and keep their homes safer. If you are still having trouble paying your heating bills, please apply by April 18 so LIHEAP can help ease this burden.'
Arkoosh's office said it has adequate funding to continue the current season despite federal staffing cuts to the office that overseas LIHEAP. Arkoosh urged Pennsylvanians behind on or having trouble paying to heat their homes to apply for the program.
Federal funding changes have not impacted this season but Arkoosh's office said the funding will be critical for next season.
LIHEAP provides cash or crisis grants to renters and homeowners with annual income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit, which is $22,590 for individuals and $46,800 for a family of four.
Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP online at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS, and for other public assistance programs online or by phone at 1-866-550-4355.
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