November 5, 2018
Harrisburg – Nov. 5, 2018 –State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) reminds residents that home heating assistance is available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
“We have started to experience cold weather in the area as the winter months approach,” Brewster said. “LIHEAP is a lifeline for families who are struggling to afford home heating costs.”
The application process for LIHEAP began on November 1, 2018 and will end April 12, 2019.
Brewster said residents who can benefit from the program should apply now, before the start of winter. He said that his office staff can help residents determine if they are income-eligible for assistance.
“I encourage those who are eligible to apply sooner, rather than later, to ensure their homes will be heated through the winter season.”
Brewster said that staff in his district offices in Monroeville, McKeesport and New Kensington are available to assist residents with the application process and answer any questions they may have regarding the program.
More than 300,000 households statewide received home heating assistance through LIHEAP in the 2017-2018 season.
Information on the program and the guidelines to apply are available through the Department of Human Services at http://www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/heatingassistanceliheap/index.htm.
October 25, 2017
Harrisburg – October 25, 2017 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland), in partnership with Human Services Center Corporation (HSCC) in Turtle Creek and the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, will be hosting a health coverage and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) enrollment event on Thursday, Nov. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the offices of HSCC, 519 Penn Ave., Turtle Creek.
“Given all the recent upheaval regarding the Affordable Care Act, questions have arisen about health care coverage, who is eligible and how individuals that need access to care can sign up,” Brewster said. “These are critical questions that deserve accurate answers.”
Brewster’s staff and officials from HSCC and the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh will be on hand to answer questions and enroll those who are interested in health insurance through Health Insurance Marketplace. Those who participate also will be able to enroll in Medicaid and complete applications for heating assistance through LIHEAP.
“Accessing health care through the marketplace can help families manage health care costs and receive life-saving care,” Brewster said. “The professionals on hand will be able to answer questions and help enroll citizens in Medicaid and the health marketplace and assist in completing LIHEAP applications.
“I cannot emphasize how important it is for those who want to access health care to come to the enrollment event and learn what is available.”
Brewster said appointments can be made by calling HSCC at 412-829-7112 or book online. Those planning to enroll should bring name, date of birth, Social Security number(s), recent pay stubs for all household members and a recent heating bill if there is interest in applying for LIHEAP.
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November 6, 2015
Harrisburg – Nov. 6, 2015 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is teaming up with the Human Services Center Corporation (HSCC) and the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh to spur participation in a valuable program that helps individuals and families lower home heating costs.
Representatives of Brewster’s office and the YWCA will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. next Thursday, Nov. 12, at the HSCC offices, 519 Penn Ave., Turtle Creek, to help individuals and families sign up for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
“Helping individuals and families cut their energy costs is the goal of the program,” Brewster said. “By partnering with the Human Services Center and the YWCA we can reach more families, help them pay high heating bills and help them stay warm.”
LIHEAP offers two types of assistance for those who are income eligible: a cash grant that is sent directly to the utility company or a crisis grant for households who are immediate danger of losing heat.
The senator said individuals and families qualify for assistance based on income. For example, a family of four that earns up to $36,375 is eligible for help under the program. Income limits vary so it’s important for individuals or families to contact his office or come to the event on Thursday, he said.
Brewster said individuals should bring their most recent heating bill or shut-off notice, proof of household income and the social security numbers for all who live in the household.
Applications for LIHEAP will be accepted now through April 1. Those who are interested in help on Nov. 12 should call HSCC at 412-829-7112 to make an appointment.
Contact: Tim Joyce
Phone: 412-380-2242
Email: tjoyce@pasenate.com
April 2, 2015
Harrisburg – April 2, 2015 – The deadline to apply for help through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program has been extended to May 1, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland.)
“The home heating program is valuable and useful and I am pleased that the deadline to apply has been extended,” Brewster said. “The program helps those in need handle their home heating bills.”
Residents of Pennsylvania have to income-qualify to receive help. For example, to be eligible a family of four must have income of $35,775 or below. Additional funding is available for crisis situations.
The program deadline was originally set for Friday, but Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration decided to extend the federally-funded program due to the severity of the winter, Brewster said.
Individuals can determine their income eligibility and learn more about the program by contacting the local assistance office or by calling the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095, Monday through Friday or through www.dhs.state.pa.us/foradults/heatingassistanceliheap
Brewster said that his district office staff is prepared to help local residents fill out the applications. His offices are located in McKeesport, Monroeville and New Kensington. Contact information for the offices is available at www.senatorbrewster.com
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Tim Joyce
Phone: 412 380-2242
Email: tjoyce@pasenate.com
November 3, 2014
Harrisburg – Nov. 3, 2014 – Help with home heating costs is available to eligible families through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) reminded area residents.
“Families can use LIHEAP funding to offset heating costs,” Brewster said. “Recent winters have been very cold and heating costs have hobbled too many families in our region.”
Brewster said that LIHEAP offers aid in the form of grants to eligible applicants. Once approved, the cash grant is forwarded to the energy company on behalf of the family and is credited on the bill.
Eligibility is determined by household income. In order to take advantage of LIHEAP, an individual homeowner or renter must earn less than $17,505 in income. For a family of four, the income threshold increases to $35,775. Proof of income, family size and a recent heating bill is needed as a part of the application process, Brewster said.
The lawmaker said that those applying for assistance do not have to be on public assistance or have and an unpaid heating bill to be eligible.
Information and program applications are available at www.compass.state.pa.us or call 1-866-857-7095.
In addition, Brewster said anyone who needs help completing the application can visit one of his district offices in Monroeville, McKeesport or New Kensington or by visiting www.senatorbrewster.com
LIHEAP enrollment begins today and continues through April 3 for the 2014-15 heating season.
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October 31, 2013
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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March 27, 2013
McKeesport, March 27, 2013 – State Sen. James Brewster today announced today that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) deadline has been extended through April 26. LIHEAP provides cash grants to help low-income households pay for home heating fuel and crisis grants to address heating emergencies.
“Cold temperatures and rising heating costs can be disastrous for families who already have a tough time paying their heating bills,” Brewster said. “Thankfully, there is still help available so that no individual is left in the cold during this unpredictable winter.”
The federally-funded program was slated to end March 29, but the application deadline has been extended through April 26, 2013.
To-date, the LIHEAP program has received 485,689 applications for cash assistance to help low-income households pay for home heating fuel and utility bills. It has also received 86,551 applications for crisis grants, which assist with heating emergencies such as a furnace failure, unexpected fuel shortages or utility terminations.
Cash grants are based on household income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. In addition to proof of income and household size, applicants must provide a recent bill or a statement from their utility company or fuel dealer verifying their customer status and the type of fuel used.
Applicants can apply for a LIHEAP grant online at www.compass.state.pa.us. LIHEAP applications are also available at county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.
For more information on the LIHEAP program, or to download an application, visit the Department of Public Welfare website at www.dpw.state.pa.us and click on “For Adults,” or call the toll-free hotline at 1-866-857-7095.
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November 1, 2012
McKeesport, Nov. 1, 2012 — State Sen. Jim Brewster today announced that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now accepting applications for this winter.
“For low income families, LIHEAP support can be critically important during the cold winter months,” Brewster said. “I urge local citizens to see if they qualify for this home heating aid.”
Brewster said eligibility is based on income and household size. For example, a family of four would qualify if their income is less than $34,575.
The McKeesport lawmaker added that online applications can be completed by visiting www.compass.state.pa.us.
Paper applications are still available at Sen. Brewster’s local offices, or at local county assistance offices. He added that applicants can also download and print an application from the Department of Public Welfare’s website.
For helpful tips on how to keep your home warm throughout the winter, while saving money on utility costs, Brewster urged citizens to visit www.energysavers.gov.
November 2, 2011
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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