This year the State is proposing to significantly cut the program - LIHEAP the low income home energy assistance program-- that helps seniors and low and moderate income families pay their heating bills.

This is not a state budget issue. All of the money, including the overhead for the program, comes from the federal government in a block grant. Last year the Federal Government allocated 1.7 billion for LIHEAP – this year it is almost 30% more—2.41 billion. While the ultimate amount Pennsylvania will receive is not yet set, we will at the very least get more than last year’s 142 million. This chart shows just how bad the proposed plan will be if adopted:



In past years, both programs opened on the first business day in November and closed in early to late April. Families who were shut off could use both programs to have their service restored. And families that developed problems during the winter could apply for both programs.

This year only LIHEAP will open and not until December 1st, after the beginning of the heating season. And only the LIHEAP part will be open. This is a devastating change because in the past families could apply for LIHEAP and LIHEAP Crisis at the same time and could use the grants to restore service before winter began.

If the proposal is allowed to be adopted as proposed the following will happen:

• Thousands of families will not have the money they need to get their utility service re connected before the start of the heating system.
• Many of the newly unemployed, not familiar with the LIHEAP program will miss the early deadlines and shortened application period and not receive the help to which they are entitled.
• The reduced benefits will leave 10’s of thousands of families without enough help, leading to spring shut offs.
• Because thousands of seniors and families will not be able to pay their bills because of the lower grants, utilities will attempt to raise rates

News for Immediate Release

Oct. 29, 2009

Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to Open on Nov. 2
Crisis program will open Jan. 4, 2010

Harrisburg – The federally-funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP, will accept applications for cash grants starting Nov. 2, Secretary of Public Welfare Estelle B. Richman today reminded Pennsylvanians.

LIHEAP provides cash grants to help low-income households pay for home heating fuel. A crisis grant component to address heating emergencies will open Jan. 4, 2010.

“As many Pennsylvanians continue to struggle as a result of the economic downturn, the opening of the LIHEAP program will bring relief when families need it the most,” said Secretary Richman. “We encourage families to learn about the program so they can stay warm and safe throughout the coldest months of the year.”

During the 2008-09 LIHEAP season, approximately 547,000 families were helped through cash grants and more than 202,000 families received crisis assistance.

Cash grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Crisis grants are provided to resolve heating emergencies or unexpected fuel shortages. In addition to proof of income, residency, citizenship, birth dates and Social Security Numbers for all household members, applicants must provide a recent bill or a statement from their fuel dealer verifying their customer status and the type of fuel that they use.

When the program opens, applications will be available at county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Applications for LIHEAP cash grants will also be available online at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applicants may also call 1-866-857-7095.

Residents of the counties listed below should contact the agencies that operate the crisis component in their areas:
• Allegheny - Allegheny County Department of Human Services, (800) 851-3838;
• Carbon - Carbon County Action Committee, (610) 377-6400
• Centre - Central PA Community Action Agency, (814) 765-1551 or Millheim Family Service Center, (814) 349-5850 or (800) 822-2610;
• Lackawanna - Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency, (570) 963-6836;
• Lancaster - Community Action Program of Lancaster County, (800) 732-0018;
• Luzerne - Commission on Economic Opportunity of Luzerne County, (800) 822-0359
• Wyoming - Commission on Economic Opportunity of Wyoming Co., (570) 836-4090
To ensure they have the resources to heat their homes the entire winter, LIHEAP consumers are urged to keep their thermostats at 65 degrees – unless they have young children or older adults living in the home. Visit www.turnsealsave.org to learn about available assistance programs, energy conservation and home weatherization tips.
Media contact:
Stacey Witalec, 717-787-4592
Editor’s Note: Household sizes and income limits for LIHEAP’s 2009-10 season are listed below.
1 -- $16,245
2 -- $21,855
3 -- $27,465
4 -- $33,075
5 -- $38,685
6 -- $44,295
7 -- $49,905
8 -- $55,515
(For each additional person add $5,610).


Information provided by:
MEDIA in Pennsylvania