HARRISBURG, April 5, 2011 – State Senator Jim Brewster today announced that low-income residents now have until April 15 to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

“LIHEAP officials recently determined that there is enough funding to extend the filing deadline by a couple weeks,” Brewster said. “I hope low-income homeowners and renters take advantage of this opportunity and see if they qualify for benefits.”

LIHEAP provides home heating energy grants and crisis grants to help low-income families pay their heating bills. Eligibility for the program is based on household size, type of fuel, and income.

Brewster said eligibility levels and grant amounts have recently been expanded to people earning up to $35,280 for a family of four. He said that under the new guidelines, nearly 533,376 Pennsylvanians are eligible for LIHEAP assistance.

LIHEAP applications are available at Senator Brewster’s local offices or by calling toll-free at 1-866-857-7095. For more information, or to obtain an online application, visit www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/heatingassistanceliheap.

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