LIHEAP, which stands for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Crisis grants also are available for households in immediate danger of being without heat.
How cash grants work
A one-time payment is sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider and is credited on the heating bill. Cash grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, heating region, and fuel type.
Qualifying crisis situations
- Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
- Lack of fuel
- Main heating source has been completely shut off
Danger of being without fuel (less than 15-day supply) - Danger of having utility service terminated (received a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days)
Eligibility
- There are income guidelines.
- Applicants do not have to be on public assistance.
- Applicants don’t need to have an unpaid heating bill.
- Applicants can rent or own their home.
What’s needed to apply?
- Names of people in the household
- Dates of birth for all household members
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income for all household members
- Recent heating bill or delivery receipt from the previous year
[For crisis situations, a person may need a copy of the shut-off notice.]
How to apply
Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP three ways: online, on paper, and in person.
Online
Apply for LIHEAP benefits online using COMPASS. New this year: Those who received LIHEAP last year can apply for home-heating assistance via the mobile app, myCOMPASS PA. They’ll need the preseason application or green postcard we sent via mail to apply on the app.
On paper
Pennsylvanians can download an English or Spanish version of the application, fill it out, and return it to their county assistance office.
In person
Pennsylvanians can visit their county assistance office for help filling out the application in person. Applications also are available at senior centers and other community agencies.
Contact us for help
For more information about LIHEAP, Pennsylvanians can call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095, or can contact their county assistance office, Monday through Friday. Individuals with hearing impairments may call 711.
Visit the website
Find all of this information and more on the DHS website. View the state plan for LIHEAP and download brochures to print and share.