Apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) provides cash grants to help Pennsylvania families pay their heating bills. 

 

The 2023-2024 LIHEAP season is now closed.  

About LIHEAP

LIHEAP helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants.   

The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to your utility company or fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type.  

Approved applicants will receive a one-time grant that does not need to be repaid. 

Eligibility

Find out if you qualify for assistance.

To receive LIHEAP assistance: 

  • You must meet income guidelines 
  • You don't have to be on public assistance 
  • You don't need to have an unpaid heating bills 
  • You can rent or own your home   

Income Requirements

Here are the LIHEAP income requirements for 2023-2024 

Household Size Income Limit
1 $21,870 
2 $29,580 
3 $37,290 
4 $45,000
5 ​$52,710
6 $60,420
7 ​$68,130
8 $75,840
9 ​$83,550
10 ​$91,260

For every additional person, add $7,710.

Crisis Grants

Households experiencing a heating crisis may be eligible for additional benefits through the LIHEAP crisis program. Emergency situations include: 

  • Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced;
  • Lack of fuel;
  • The main heating source or second heating source (a source that is used to operate the main heating source or used if the main heating source is not working) has been completely shut-off;
  • The danger of being without fuel (less than a 15-day supply); and,
  • The danger of having utility.

Tips & Resources for Staying Warm

  • Turn down. Seal off. Save up. 
    Home heating costs are a big part of a household budget. With a little planning, you'll be better protected from the cold. 

  • Insulation Institute 
    Click "I'm A Homeowner" for home insulation basics that can help save money on heating and cooling.  

  • U.S. Department of Energy
    Find weatherization tips, information on saving electricity and fuel, and more.
     
  • Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
    Provides resources to help keep Pennsylvanians warm throughout the winter. 
      
  • $1 Energy Fund 
    If you live outside Philadelphia, find information on programs that could help you pay your bill. 

  • Utility Emergency Services Fund
    If you live in Philadelphia, find information on a program that could help you pay your utility bill. 
Benefits Table

How Much Do You Qualify for?

You qualify for LIHEAP benefits, now find out how much you will receive in benefit payments.

How to apply

The 2023-2024 LIHEAP season is now closed.

Applications will be posted when the 2024-2025 LIHEAP season opens later this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 2023-2024 LIHEAP application period for both cash and crisis grants is open from November 1, 2023, to April 5, 2024.

Households experiencing a heating crisis may be eligible for additional benefits through the LIHEAP crisis program. If your main heating source is broken, in danger of being shut off, or is currently shut off, you may be eligible. 

These grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. 

Contact LIHEAP

For Crisis Situations

Assistance with home heating crisis situations is available 24 hours a day. In most counties, you should contact your county assistance office.

LIHEAP Hotline

Call the hotline Monday through Friday at 1-866-857-7095. Individuals with hearing impairments can call 711.

Call the Hotline

LIHEAP TTY Hotline

For hearing impaired

Contact Your County Assistance Office (CAO)

For questions or additional information contact your local County Assistance Office (CAO).

Find Your County Office