The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now accepting applications. LIHEAP is a federally-funded program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) that provides assistance for home heating bills so those Pennsylvanians meeting eligibility and income guidelines can stay warm and safe during the winter months. Assistance is available for renters and homeowners. 

The LIHEAP season runs Nov. 1, 2023-April 5, 2024. Minimum grant is $300 and maximum is $1,000. Crisis grants are minimum $25 and maximum $1,000. To be eligible for LIHEAP, you must meet the income limit of 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit. For an individual, that is a gross income of $21,870 per year, and for a family of four, that is a gross income of $45,000 per year. People do not need to know whether they are eligible for the program. They should apply via the COMPASS website and DHS will determine eligibility.

During the 2022-2023 LIHEAP season, 312,169 households statewide received $125,572,518 in LIHEAP Cash benefits, and these households received an average season benefit of $402. 135,029 households statewide received $98,923,752 in LIHEAP Crisis benefits, and these households received an average payment of $688.

Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP and other public assistance programs online at www.compass.state.pa.us or by phone at 1-866-550-4355. On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 215-560-7226 for Philadelphia clients or 1-877-395-8930 for clients in all other counties. Please share this information with those who may be interested and/or eligible.