Low-income heating aid could cut winter utility bills by as much as $1,000

Pennsylvania’s yearly cash assistance program for heating bills will reopen applications as winter nears.

Eligible households may receive up to $1,000 through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.

The federal benefit, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, is paid directly to a household’s utility provider or fuel company as a credit on winter and early spring bills. The billing period for the upcoming season has not yet been announced.

Payments in Pennsylvania range from $200 to $1,000, depending on household size, income and fuel type.

In New Jersey, heating aid programs including LIHEAP and the state-funded Universal Service Fund opened earlier in the season. Households there can receive up to $1,278 in LIHEAP benefits.

Who can qualify for LIHEAP?

Pennsylvania residents with total household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level may apply.

Both renters and homeowners are eligible. Applicants do not need to receive other public benefits or have overdue heating bills to qualify.

Household income is based on the number of people living at the same address, including adults, children, relatives and unrelated residents who share expenses, according to the Department of Human Services.

*for every additional person, add $8,520

In the most recent LIHEAP season, more than 233,000 Pennsylvania households received an average cash benefit of $282.

New Jersey eligibility

New Jersey uses a different income standard tied to the state’s median income.

A complete breakdown of income limits is available on the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs website.

Households in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey can check eligibility using the LIHEAP online tool.

When to apply

Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to apply as soon as the application window opens because funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Households must reapply each year, even if they received assistance before.

How to apply in Pennsylvania

Applications can be submitted through the state’s COMPASS benefits portal or by phone.

The deadline has not yet been announced and will be shared closer to the opening of the application period.

New Jersey applications

New Jersey households can apply through the state energy assistance website or by contacting a local County Social Services Agency. A full list of county agencies is available online.

Residents may also apply for the Universal Service Fund through the same application.

LIHEAP crisis grants

In addition to standard grants, crisis aid is available quickly for eligible households facing a heating emergency.

Qualifying emergencies include broken heating equipment, running out of fuel or being close to running out, a primary or secondary heating source being shut off, or the threat of utility termination.

How to request a crisis grant

Households must first apply for standard LIHEAP assistance before seeking a crisis grant.

If a household has already received a LIHEAP benefit for the season, it should contact the local county benefits office to report the emergency.

County Assistance Offices in Pennsylvania and County Social Services Agencies in New Jersey can be found on the respective state websites.

Other ways to lower heating bills

If you do not qualify for LIHEAP, or want additional ways to reduce costs this winter, local energy experts suggest the following:

• Lower the thermostat. Peco estimates that bills can fall by about 2% for every degree the temperature is reduced. Add sweaters and blankets, including electric ones, and turn the heat down even further when leaving home or going to bed.
• Seal and improve your home. Caulk around doors and windows, upgrade insulation and lock windows to help reduce drafts.
• Close off unused spaces. Shut vents and doors to rooms, closets and other areas that do not need to be heated.
• Use sunlight. Open blinds or curtains on south-facing windows during the day to capture heat, then close them at night to keep warmth inside.
• Schedule service. Have your heating system inspected before winter begins to save money, extend its life and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
• Switch to LED bulbs. Make sure your home uses LED lighting.
• Consider a smart thermostat. These devices let you control home temperature remotely and can reduce monthly bills. They typically cost $100 to $300 plus installation, and some utilities offer rebates.
• Get a home energy assessment. Energy audits can reveal ways to improve efficiency, though some come with a fee.