Pennsylvania households may qualify for as much as $1,000 in heating help this winter

Applications are open for Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP program, which offers financial help to eligible low-income households.

Even if the heat has not been turned on yet, colder weather is a good reminder to plan for the utility bills that can pile up in winter.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, is now accepting applications. Homeowners and renters who qualify can receive grants ranging from $200 to $1,000 to help pay heating costs. Payments go directly to the utility company, and recipients do not have to repay the money.

Eligibility is based on income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, with the threshold varying by household size. That limit is $23,940 for one person and $49,500 for a family of four.

People do not need to be enrolled in other public assistance programs or have an overdue utility balance to take part in LIHEAP.

Nearly 279,000 Pennsylvania households applied successfully for the program last winter, according to the Department of Human Services. Officials said the average benefit was $289.

The application window began earlier in the season and is expected to continue into late April, though Philadelphia Gas Works representatives said it could close sooner if funding is depleted. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residents can apply online at compass.dhs.pa.gov or request an application by texting “CASH” to 77037. They can also make an appointment at a Neighborhood Energy Center or visit the state LIHEAP office at 1163 S. Broad St.

PGW will also offer an in-person LIHEAP help day for customers seeking assistance with applications at The Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Ave.

Applications are available in English, Spanish, Chinese Simplified, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Nepali, Khmer and Russian.

More information is available at dhs.pa.gov/liheap or pgworks.com/liheap.