While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Table of Contents
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance for energy costs to low-income households. LIHEAP is a federal program that is administered by individual states, territories, and tribes. In Pennsylvania, LIHEAP is administered by the Department of Human Services.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in Pennsylvania, click here.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s heating assistance initiative in Pennsylvania, see the Pennsylvania state LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP program does not provide financial compensation for cooling expenses.
LIHEAP Crisis Assistance, like standard LIHEAP benefits, is a cash grant provided to the utility companies of eligible individuals in certain situations.
If your household meets all the eligibility requirements above and has an energy-related crisis, you may qualify for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance.
The state of Pennsylvania defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $600.
Learn more about Crisis Assistance on the federal Benefit Levels for Heating, Cooling, and Crisis here.
To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will consider:
Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.
As of 2020, the maximum annual benefit amount for heating in Pennsylvania is $1,000 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $200.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in Pennsylvania here.
If you or a member of your family participates in the benefit programs below, then you may automatically be eligible for LIHEAP based on your income:
Eligible households can only apply for LIHEAP assistance from November 1st until April 10th each year. LIHEAP applications cannot be submitted year-round.
To apply for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process here.
To apply for LIHEAP online, complete the online application through COMPASS here.
To apply for LIHEAP in person, visit your local County Assistance Office (CAO). Find your nearest office and contact information here.
To apply for LIHEAP by mail, contact the Pennsylvania LIHEAP Hotline at 1 (866) 857-7095 to request that an application be mailed to you.
Note that applications for Crisis Assistance, for households that meet the state definition of a crisis, can be submitted year-round.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact your nearest County Assistance Office (CAO). Find your nearest CAO office here.
When applying for Pennsylvania LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state will need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:
Learn more about the documentation needed during the LIHEAP application process here.
You can call the County Assistance Office where you applied directly to check your application status. You may also call the Pennsylvania LIHEAP Hotline at 1 (866) 857-7095.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will notify you within 30 days of receiving your application if you are approved to receive benefits. All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.
If you are denied Pennsylvania LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by contacting your local County Assistance Office (CAO) after you receive the denial. Find your nearest local CAO office here.
If you have questions about the appeal process, contact the Pennsylvania LIHEAP Hotline at 1 (866) 857-7095.
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Pennsylvania or require further assistance, contact your local County Assistance Office. Find your nearest County Assistance Office (CAO) and contact information here.
You can also contact the Pennsylvania LIHEAP Hotline at 1 (866) 857-7095.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and compiled a guide that we believe is simple to use and easy to understand. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing detailed information on the process.
Our free LIHEAP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply for LIHEAP, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
