HOW TO APPLY FOR THE LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

 HARRISBURG, NOV. 1 – State Sen. Connie Williams announced that the application period for Pennsylvania’s home heating program would begin on Nov. 7th.

 The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, provides financial assistance to help people who meet income guidelines to pay their home heating bills through energy assistance grants. Additionally, grants are available for emergency repair assistance.

 “While we work on a state level to expand this valuable program, it is important for people to begin the application process,” Williams said. “It is important to remember that you do not need to be on public assistance to qualify and that these grants do not have to be repaid.”

 The types of grants that are available include:

  • Cash grant to assist with home heating bills.

  • Crisis grant for home heating emergencies, such as broken heating equipment, utility service termination, or running out of fuel or being in imminent danger of running out of fuel.

 For assistance with energy emergency situations 24-hours-a-day, people should contact their local county assistance office.

 “People can qualify for one or both portions of LIHEAP,” Williams said. “Just last month, the governor announced an initiative to not only to make a first-ever investment of state dollars for LIHEAP, but also efforts to work with utility companies and the Public Utility Commission to ensure that Pennsylvanians are warm this winter, despite higher fuel costs.”

 To qualify, people must meet income limits. Single individuals can earn up to $12,920.  A household of two must not exceed annual income of $17,321; a household of four, $26,123; a household of five, $30,524.

 When applying, people will need the following:

  • Names of people in the household

  • Dates of birth for people in the household

  • Social Security Numbers for all household members

  • Proof of income for members of the household

  • A copy of a recent heating bill

 LIHEAP runs through the home heating season each year. The Department of Public Welfare may extend or shorten the program dates depending upon available funding.

 “If you qualify and want to participate, it is important that you apply at the beginning of the program,” Williams said. “This program is available to both homeowners and renters who are responsible for their home heating bills and meet income guidelines. My office is available to help you if you need assistance with the application, or have questions about LIHEAP.”

 LIHEAP applications can be obtained from local county assistance offices or can be completed online and mailed to a county assistance office. To apply electronically via the state’s COMPASS Web site, go to www.humanservices/state.pa.us/compass. People also may call the toll-free LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095. Individuals with hearing impairments may call the TDD number at 1-800-451-5886.

 Constituents may also contact either of Williams’ district offices, which are located at 700 S. Henderson Road, Suite 100A, King of Prussia (610-992-9790) or in the Manoa Shopping Center, Suite 39, West Chester Pike, Havertown (610-853-5433).

 Additionally, Williams is working with Lowe’s to offer two free home energy-saving and weatherization workshops. The events will take place on Saturday, Nov. 5th in two locations in the 17th Senatorial District:

  • 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown

  • Noon to 1:30 p.m. – George Washington Carver Center, 249 E. Jacoby St., Norristown