HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Clearfield County, said that the state Department of Public Welfare will begin accepting applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program – LIHEAP – starting Nov. 1.
“Each winter season, we hear the tragic stories of vulnerable citizens, some of whom are elderly or ill, who succumb to freezing temperatures, even in their own homes,” George said. “I want every person who struggles to heat his or her home to know that this assistance is available.”
LIHEAP, a federally funded program administered by the state, provides both cash and crisis grants to individuals meeting income eligibility requirements. This year, an individual making $16,335 or a family of four making $33,525 may receive assistance.
LIHEAP cash grants are sent directly to the recipient’s utility company to offset their bill. This year, the minimum cash benefit recipients may receive is $100.
Crisis grants are given to households in immediate danger of losing heat, due to an emergency or other circumstance. The money may be used to purchase additional fuel or repair broken heating equipment. The maximum crisis grant amount is $300.
“It’s unfortunate that due to federal funding cuts, less money is available for the program,” George said. “Because of this, income eligibility requirements are higher this year and grant limits are lower.”
George noted that his House Bill 1800, known as the ProtectPA legislation, includes an extraction tax on natural gas. Of the revenue distributed, 2 percent would be given to LIHEAP.
“That small percentage, just 2 percent, could put a few million dollars more into the program,” George said. “That money could help a lot of struggling families who cannot pay their heating bills.”
Individuals may apply for a LIHEAP grant online or by downloading an application from the Department of Public Welfare Web site. Completed applications may be returned to their county assistance office. Residents can also apply in-person at county assistance offices.
Phone numbers, regular and toll free where available, for area county assistance offices are:
? Clearfield County, 765-0684 and 1-800 862-8941
? Centre County, 861-1955 and 1-800 355-6024
? Jefferson County, 938-1329 and 1-800 242-8214
? Blair County, 946-7365 and 1-866 812-3341
? Cambria County, 533-2253 and 1-877 315-0389
? Elk County, 772-5215 or 776-1101 and 1-800 847-0257
The statewide LIHEAP hotline is (1) 866 857-7095 or TDD for the hearing impaired (1) 800 451-5886.
Applicants may rent or own their homes, do not need to already be on public assistance, and do not have to be delinquent on energy bills to qualify. LIHEAP grants do not need to be paid back.
“Home energy prices are projected to go up again this year,” George said. “Couple that with an expected harsh winter season, and the need for programs like LIHEAP becomes apparent. I encourage anyone who may need assistance this winter to apply.”