Department of Public Welfare Encourages Pennsylvanians to Apply for Assistance with Home Heating Bills

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Public Welfare (DPW) today kicked off the start of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application process for the 2014-15 season.

LIHEAP provides assistance for home heating bills to keep low-income Pennsylvanians warm and safe during the winter months. It's available to renters and homeowners. Crisis and regular LIHEAP grants begin Nov. 3 this year.

"Last year LIHEAP helped more than 400,000 Pennsylvania families stay warm in their homes," Department of Public Welfare Secretary Beverly Mackereth said. "Individuals can apply now rather than wait for a cold spell. We encourage people to apply online so they can avoid lines and traveling."

Online applications can be completed by visiting www.compass.state.pa.us. Paper applications are still available through local county assistance offices, or interested applicants can download and print an application from the department's website.  

"LIHEAP is a wonderful program and we are happy to offer it," Mackereth said. "We want Pennsylvanians to stay healthy all winter long."

For helpful tips on keeping warm throughout the winter while saving money on utility costs, visit www.energysavers.gov. 

For more information on the LIHEAP program, or to download an application, visit the Department of Public Welfare website at www.dpw.state.pa.us and click on "For Adults."

Media contact: Kait Gillis, 717-425-7606

Editor's Note:

Eligibility for the 2014-15 LIHEAP season is set at 150 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. The chart below shows the maximum income allowed for eligibility based on household size. Each additional person in the household adds $6,090 to the maximum income allowed for eligibility.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us