PA Department of Public Welfare Reminds Pennsylvanians to Apply Online for Assistance with Home Heating Bills

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the cold weather sets in and demand increases for assistance, the Department of Public Welfare is strongly encouraging Pennsylvanians eligible for the 2013-14 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us.

"The response to LIHEAP has been overwhelming; our call centers are inundated with requests, which we are working diligently to process," said Department of Public Welfare Secretary Beverly Mackereth. "In the last two weeks, we have processed more than 225,000 applications statewide. If you believe you or someone you know is eligible, apply now to be certain your home is heated when winter arrives."

The department encourages electronic applications, but if that is not an option, interested applicants can also call the statewide LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095 or download and print an application from the department's website.

LIHEAP provides assistance for home heating bills to keep low-income Pennsylvanians warm and safe during the winter months. 

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 guidelines for the 2013-14 LIHEAP season differ from last year and are 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 $6,030 to the maximum income allowed for eligibility.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare