PA: How To Get Help With Utility Costs

Pennsylvania

Temperatures are dropping and heating bills are getting higher, but luckily there’s a federally-funded program that helps eligible households in Pennsylvania cover energy costs. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) gives eligible households a discount on energy bills and provides emergency energy assistance, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs to keep Pennsylvanians safe and warm this winter.

If you’re struggling to cover your home energy costs or have been threatened with disconnection, HEAP may be able to help. Both homeowners and renters may be eligible for this program. This one-time benefit is applied directly to the household’s utility bill or bulk fuel bill.

You can find more info here on how to apply: https://workam.org/PA-LIHEAP

QUALIFICATIONS

You must meet income guidelines.

• You don’t have to be on public assistance
• You don’t need to have an unpaid heating bill
• You can rent or own your home   

Please Note: Crisis assistance is available for those who are behind on their bills or facing shut off. Please apply in the COMPASS portal even if you believe you may not qualify. 

Size of Household Total Household Income 12 Months

1                               up to ​$21,870

2                               up to $29,580

3                               up to $37,290

4                               up to $45,000

5                               up to $52,710

6                               up to $60,420

7                               up to $68,130

8                               up to $75,840

For households with more than eight (8) members, add $7,710 for each additional person to calculate the income limit.

A person who participates in (or has family members who participate in) certain other benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI, TANF, may be automatically eligible.

HOW TO 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 .
  • 2023-2024 LIHEAP Application — English
  • 2023-2024 LIHEAP Application — Spanish

 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.

You may also download the COMPASS app here:
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id1172909820
Android: http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.pa.dhs.compassmobile

SHARE WITH OTHERS
Spread the word about this program with friends, neighbors, or family members who may need some help with winter by sharing this link with benefits information:https://workam.org/PA-LIHEAP