HARRISBURG, November 2, 2011 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today announced that Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) is now open for the 2011-12 heating season.
LIHEAP provides cash grants to help low-income households to help pay for home heating fuel; and crisis grants for heating emergencies.
“As Pennsylvania families continue to struggle due to the economic downturn, I am pleased LIHEAP will provide much needed assistance to families to keep them warm and safe in the upcoming winter months,” Brewster said.
For more information, please contact your local county assistance office or contact the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095, Monday through Friday (individuals with hearing impairments may call the TDD number at 1-800-451-5886).
Cash grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Crisis grants are provided to resolve heating emergencies, such as furnace failures or unexpected fuel shortages. In addition to proof of income and household size, applicants must provide a recent bill or a statement from their fuel dealer verifying their customer status and the type of fuel that they use.
Brewster said applications will be available at county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Applications for LIHEAP cash grants will also be available online at www.compass.state.pa.us. Residents can also contact the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, (800) 851-3838
Brewster said additional information and filing assistance is also available at any of his district offices
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