Low Income Home Energy (LIHEAP)

The Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income people pay their heating bills through energy assistance grants. People do not need to have an unpaid bill to receive energy assistance and can receive this money without being on public assistance. You can either rent or own your home. LIHEAP is a grant and does not have to be repaid.  LIHEAP offers both cash and crisis grants.

Cash Grants

Cash grants help families pay their heating bills. The 1-time payment is sent directly to the utility company or fuel provider, and will be credited on the person's bill. (In some cases, a check may be mailed directly to the recipient.) Cash grants range from $300 to $1,000 and are based on household size, income, and fuel type.

Crisis Grants

In addition to the LIHEAP cash program, households experiencing a heating crisis may be eligible for additional benefits through the LIHEAP crisis program. Crisis grants may be available if you have an emergency situation and are in jeopardy of losing your heat. You can receive more than 1 Crisis grant, as necessary, during the season until the maximum benefit of $1,000 is reached.

Emergency situations include:

• Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
• Lack of fuel
• Termination of utility service
• Danger of being without fuel (less than a 15 day supply) or of having utility service terminated (received a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days)

If you have a heating emergency, please call your local county assistance office at 717-771-1100 or 800-991-0929.

How to Apply

The 2022 to 2023 LIHEAP season will begin accepting applications on November 1, 2022.    
You may apply by:

• Calling the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-866-857-7095  (or PA Relay at 711 for the hearing impaired.)
• Visiting your local County Assistance Office
• Applying online at http://www.compass.state.pa.us

County Assistance Office addresses and telephone numbers

To apply you will need the following:

• Names of people in the household
• Dates of birth for all people in the household
• Social Security Numbers for all household members
• Proof of income for members of the household
• A recent heating bill

2022 to 2023 LIHEAP Program Dates

• Opening Date: November 1, 2022
• Closing Date:  April 28, 2023

The Cash and Crisis components are tentatively scheduled to close on the dates indicated above or when the funds are depleted, whichever occurs first. Apply as soon as possible.

Who Is Eligible

The Income Guidelines for the 2022 to 2023 program year are listed below for homeowners and renters who are on a low or fixed income, and whose yearly income before taxes is at or less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG)

For Each Additional Person, Add $7,080

When You Are Eligible

After your application is processed, you will receive a written notice that will tell you if you qualify. If eligible, it will tell you the amount of your grant.

Your Rights

If you are not satisfied with the grant amount you receive or the way you are treated, you can request a hearing through the County Assistance Office.

Questions About LIHEAP

If you have questions about LIHEAP, you may call your County Assistance Office or the toll-free LIHEAP hotline at 866-857-7095. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may call PA Relay Services by dialing 711.

Additional Low-Income Energy Programs

You may be eligible for other low-income energy programs offered by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in addition to the LIHEAP program. Eligibility is based on income and household size.

Contact

For additional information, contact:

York County Assistance Office
130 North Duke Street
York, PA 17405
Phone: 717-771-1100 or 800-991-0929