Pennsylvanians who may have trouble paying their home-heating bill this winter can apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) beginning Nov. 1, Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare Gary D. Alexander said recently.
The federally-funded LIHEAP program offers both cash and crisis grants to those who meet income guidelines.
Cash grants help to pay for heating bills and are sent directly to the recipient's utility company to offset their bill. Crisis grants help households if there is an emergency and they are in danger of being without heat. Crisis grants may be used to purchase additional fuel or fix broken heating equipment.
"Especially in difficult economic times, winter conditions can force some people to face the tough choice of putting food on their table or keeping their home warm," said Alexander. "If someone is burdened with this concern, I encourage them to apply for LIHEAP."
Apply for a LIHEAP grant online at www.compass.state.pa.us; or download an application from the Department of Public Welfare website at www.dpw.state.pa.us and return the application to their county assistance office. Residents can also apply in-person at county assistance offices.
This year, changes to income limits and grant amounts have been made in anticipation of federal funding reductions. The minimum cash benefit recipients may receive is now $100, and the maximum crisis grant amount is $300.
Pennsylvanians in need are also urged to stretch their home-heating budget by properly insulating their home and keeping thermostats at a reasonable temperature.
For more information about the Department of Public Welfare, visit the department's website at www.dpw.state.pa.us.
Household sizes and income limits for LIHEAP's 2011-12 season are as follows: One person - $16,335 maximum income; Two people - $22,065 maximum income; Three people - $27,795 maximum income; Four people - $33,525 maximum income; Five people - $39,255 maximum income; Six people - $44,985 maximum income; Seven people - $50,715 maximum income; Eight people - $56,445 maximum income; Nine people - $62,175 maximum income; Ten people - $67,905 maximum income; for each additional person, add $5,730.