HARRISBURG – State grant assistance for home heating costs is still available to qualifying Pennsylvania residents through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson).
Scarnati explained that LIHEAP is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and provides assistance with heating expenses in the form of a cash grant, sent directly to the utility company, or a crisis grant for households in immediate danger of being without heat.
“In the winter months the burden of an added expense for heating can be especially heavy on low-income families and those individuals on fixed incomes,” Scarnati said. “As cold temperatures and inclement weather begin to impact our region I want to remind residents that there is help for those who may need assistance with heating costs.”
Eligibility for grants begins, for a household of one, with a maximum income limit of $17,505 and increases by $6,090 per additional household resident. Grant amounts are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region.
Applications for the 2014-15 LIHEAP program will be accepted through April 3, 2015. Applications are available by contacting Senator Scarnati’s offices in Brockway (814-265-2030), Kane (814-837-1026) or Wellsboro (570-724-5231).
Local residents can also apply for LIHEAP grants online at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) Web site, www.compass.state.pa.us. For more information please contact the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095.