HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Applications for Pennsylvania’s Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) open Wednesday.

Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) worked together to have the winter shutoff moratorium on Nov. 1, instead of December, when it usually begins.

Because of that, Pennsylvanians who rely on LIHEAP did not face the risk of having their heat or electricity shut off during the government shutdown. During the shutdown, the LIHEAP program was delayed.

“Pennsylvanians deserve the safety and health benefits that come from being able to heat their homes and keep themselves and their families warm through the winter,” DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh said. “LIHEAP helps hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians each year by providing cash and crisis grants directly to the eligible household’s utility company or heating fuel provider, and I am very glad that we are finally able to begin this important work. I encourage anyone who may need help with heating costs to apply for LIHEAP and keep your home safe through this winter.”

The minimum cash grant from LIHEAP 2025-26 is $200 and the max is $1,000. Individuals and households may get one cash grant during the season.

Separate from that are those who qualify for a LIHEAP crisis grant. They will be eligible for a minimum grant of $25 and a max of $1,000. To be eligible for a crisis grant, individuals and households must be in jeopardy of having their heating service terminated or have already had it terminated, or if they have less than two weeks’ worth of deliverable fuel like oil, propane, coal or wood. They also have to meet income guidelines.

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Those who may undergo more than one emergency during the LIHEAP season can apply for more than one crisis grant.

A total of 292,867 households were given cash and benefits during the 2024-2025 LIHEAP season and about 128,000 households received LIHEAP crisis benefits.

More info about LIHEAP can be found online on the state’s Department of Human Services website.

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