Harrisburg, Oct. 31, 2013 – Residents needing help paying for costly heating bills can soon apply for the Low-Income Home Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP), said state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
“It’s crucial that all families are able to heat their homes this winter,” Brewster said. “I encourage individuals to apply for LIHEAP starting Nov. 4 if they’re worried they won’t be able to pay their energy bills as the weather gets colder.”
LIHEAP is a federal program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare that helps low-income customers offset the cost of their energy bills. The program also provides crisis assistance if service has been shut off and helps low-income residents reduce overall energy consumption through home improvements.
To be eligible for the home heating assistance, an individual homeowner or renter must have an income of $17,235 or less. A family of four must have a household income of $35,325 or less to be eligible.
To apply, customers will need proof of income, social security numbers and dates of birth for all family members and a recent heating bill.
For more information, visit www.compass.state.pa.us or call 1-866-857-7095. Residents seeking application assistance can also contact the Allegheny County Assistance Office at 412-562-0330 or the Westmoreland County Assistance Office at 724-832-5524.
Brewster said residents can also get assistance filling out the application at his McKeesport, Monroeville, New Kensington district offices.
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