Need assistance with heating bills?
The 2024-2025 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is now open!
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps families and individuals pay their heating bills during the cold months with cash grants.
Learn more below or call our office at (610) 929-2151 for more information.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
About the Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. You can receive from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income, and fuel type. Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.
Are you experiencing an emergency related to your household’s heat? You may be eligible to receive additional funds through a crisis grant.
How does LIHEAP work?
There are two ways to apply for LIHEAP:
- Online: Apply for benefits online using COMPASS, the online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for health and human service programs and manage benefit information.
- On paper: You can download a paper application, print it, fill it out, and return it to your local county assistance office.
After your application is reviewed, you will receive written notice explaining your eligibility and the amount of assistance you will receive. Please allow 30 days for a response.
How do I apply?
There are two ways to apply for LIHEAP:
- Online: Apply for benefits online using COMPASS, the online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for health and human service programs and manage benefit information.
- On paper: You can download a paper application, print it, fill it out, and return it to your local county assistance office.
After your application is reviewed, you will receive written notice explaining your eligibility and the amount of assistance you will receive. Please allow 30 days for a response.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania, you must meet income requirements, which are set based on your household size. Renters and homeowners are both eligible for benefits.
You do not need to be on another public assistance program or have unpaid heating bills to qualify.
Household Size
A household includes the person or group of people who live together. When determining your household size, you must list those who live at the residence, including:
- All children and adults
- All relatives who are rooming at the residence
- All unrelated people who are rooming at the residence and share household expenses
Income Requirements for 2024-2025
Your eligibility for LIHEAP is determined by the total annual income and size of your household. The income limit includes cumulative yearly earnings of all members of your household. To determine your household income, you should include the income of:
- All related or unrelated household members
- Renters who are related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption to a household member
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,590 |
| 2 | $30,660 |
| 3 | $38,730 |
| 4 | $46,800 |
| 5 | $54,870 |
| 6 | $62,940 |
| 7 | $71,010 |
| 8 | $79,080 |
| 9 | $87,150 |
| 10 | $95,220 |
For every additional person, add $8,070.
More Information & Downloads
Additional Winter Energy Saving Resources and Assistance
→ Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP)
- 1-844-645-2500
- utilityhotline@pautilitylawproject.org
→ Utility Emergency Services Fund
- 215-972-5170
→ LIURP: Low Income Usage Reduction Program
→ Homeowners Energy Efficiency Loan Program
→ PA Weatherization Assistance Program
For more information on the program and qualifications, visit https://www.dhs.pa.gov/LIHEAP.