HARRISBURG, OCT. 14, 2009 – State Sen. Anthony H. Williams today announced that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will begin accepting applications for its cash grant program on Nov. 2. The crisis program is set to open for enrollment Jan. 4, 2010.
LIHEAP provides cash grants to help low-income households pay for home heating fuel and crisis grants to address heating emergencies.
“The LIHEAP program has provided valuable relief to many families struggling to pay their heating bills,” Williams said. “I’m pleased that more money has been made available for this reliable and necessary program.”
During the 2008-09 LIHEAP season, approximately 547,000 families were helped through cash grants and more than 202,000 families received crisis assistance.
Williams said that both homeowners and renters are eligible for help through LIHEAP. This year, a family of four with an annual income of up to $33,075 can qualify for assistance. Cash grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Crisis grants are provided to resolve heating emergencies, such as furnace failures or unexpected fuel shortages.
“Especially during this difficult economic time it’s important that individuals have access to LIHEAP,” Williams said. “I am hopeful that those eligible for this assistance will apply as soon as possible.”
Applications are available at County Assistance Offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, or families can apply online by going to www.compass.state.pa.us.
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