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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