Pennsylvania Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps residents with low-income pay their energy bills. Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and administered through local agencies, LIHEAP provides financial help to eligible families to cover heating, cooling, and energy-related emergencies. Since funding is limited, the amount you receive and how often you can get assistance depends on your county and available resources. 

How does Pennsylvania LIHEAP work? 

Pennsylvania LIHEAP gives a one-time cash grant to help with home energy costs, mainly heating in the winter. The payment is sent directly to your utility or fuel provider and credited to your account. Grant amounts usually range from $200 to $1,000, depending on your income, household size, and the type of fuel you use. Households experiencing a heating crisis may also qualify for a crisis grant for emergency help.  

Types of heating crises include:  

• Broken or unsafe heating equipment 

• No fuel 

• Your main or backup heat source has been shut off 

• You have less than a 15-day supply of fuel 

• You’ve received a utility shut-off notice for the next 60 days 

Who can get help from Pennsylvania LIHEAP? 

To qualify for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania, your household must meet the program’s income limits. A household includes everyone living in the home who shares expenses—children, adults, relatives, and any unrelated people who live there. The income limit is based on the total yearly income of all household members combined. 

Both renters and homeowners can apply. You do not need to be on other public assistance programs or have past-due heating bills to qualify, however being on other assistance programs may simplify verification. 

How do I apply for Pennsylvania LIHEAP? 

There are a few ways to apply for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania. You can apply online through COMPASS, the state’s benefits website. You can also visit your local LIHEAP office for a paper application, or request an application by calling the Statewide LIHEAP Hotline at 1-866-857-7095 . 

Along with your application, you may be required to present the following: 

• Names of people in your household  

• Dates of birth for all household members  

• Social Security Numbers for all household members  

• Proof of income for all household members 

• A recent heating bill 

Note: LIHEAP applications for the 2025–2026 season will open December 3, 2025. 

What happens after I apply for Pennsylvania LIHEAP? 

Once you have applied for LIHEAP, your local agency will review your application. After your application is processed, you will receive a written notice that will tell you if you qualify. If you do, it will also tell you the amount of your grant. You can check your application status online at any time using either your Social Security number or the application ID you received when you applied. If you are approved, payments to your utility company will be made by the local LIHEAP agency. 

How can I get help with my application? 

There are several ways you can get help applying for Pennsylvania LIHEAP. You can:  

• Contact your local LIHEAP agency. 

• Call the Pennsylvania LIHEAP Hotline at 1-866-857-7095

• Ask a trusted family member or friend. 

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area. 

• NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559. 

What if I cannot get help from Pennsylvania LIHEAP?  

1. Talk to your utility company 

Call your utility provider and explain that you are having trouble paying your energy bills. Many utility companies have programs for low-income households that offer lower rates or payment plans. Search Pennsylvania utility assistance programs. 

2.  Look for other assistance programs in Pennsylvania 

There are other local or state programs that help people pay energy bills. View the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission brochure to find assistance programs you may qualify for  

3. Contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) 

These local centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs to afford food, health care, and energy bills. You can contact a BEC in your area for guidance and support.