Heating Assistance Cash Grant Program Opens November 2

LIHEAP crisis grant applications will be taken beginning January 4

Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) cash grant program will open for the 2009-10 heating season on Monday (November 2), according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50). Cash grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region.

"Rising fuel costs have taken a toll on all of us, especially those who rely on oil and gas to heat their homes," Senator Robbins said. "This burden has been especially heavy on low-income families and those people on fixed incomes. I urge everyone who may be eligible for LIHEAP to apply."

Household sizes and income limits for LIHEAP's 2009-10 season are listed below.

$16,245
$21,855
$27,465
$33,075
$38,685
$44,295
$49,905
$55,515
(For each additional person add $5,610).

Additional information and applications for LIHEAP cash grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) Web site at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are also available at county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Applicants may also call 1-866-857-7095.

Applications for LIHEAP's crisis grant program, which assists families experiencing heating emergencies -- such as a broken furnace, fuel shortage or utility termination – will be accepted beginning Jan. 4, 2010. During the 2008-09 LIHEAP season, approximately 547,000 families were helped through cash grants and more than 202,000 families received crisis assistance.

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322