PAYMENTS/FEES
Fuel Assistance/LIHEAP
Information on the LIHEAP Program
(LIHEAP) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps families living on a low income 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 on your bill. Grant amounts can vary per year and are based on household size, income and fuel type.
The CRISIS grant varies per year and is separate from the LIHEAP grant. CRISIS funds are held by the County Assistance Office. If you are in a CRISIS you must call the county assistance office or CEO and they must contact your fuel provider and authorize a delivery.
HOW TO APPLY
Online – Apply for benefit 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.
Once your application is reviewed, you will receive written notice explaining your eligibility and the amount of assistance you will receive. Allow 30 days for a response.
YOU MUST FILL OUT A NEW APPLICATION EACH YEAR/HEATING SEASON
ELIGIBILITY
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You must meet income guidelines
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You don’t have to be on public assistance
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You don’t need to have an unpaid heating bill
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You can rent or own your home
CRISIS GRANTS
Households experiencing a heating crisis may be eligible for additional benefits through the LIHEAP crisis program. Emergency situations include:
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Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced.
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Lack of fuel
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The main heating source or second hearing 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.
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The danger of being without fuel (less than a 15-day supply)
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The danger of having utility service terminated you’ve received a notice that service will be shut off withing the next 60 days)
CONTACT US
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.
Residents of Luzerne and Wyoming counties are encouraged to directly contact:
LUZERNE – Commission on Economic Opportunity of Luzerne County, 1-800-822-0359
WYOMING – Commission on Economic Opportunity of Wyoming County, 570-836-4090
Unused LIHEAP funds are not refundable to the recipient. Upon expiration, LIHEAP funds must be refunded to LIHEAP. They are non-transferable, and may not be exchanged for cash.