Just in time for the chilly winter season, Pennsylvanians can now apply for federal funds to help pay their home heating bills.

Wednesday, December 3, 2025, marked the start of the application period across the state for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Grants are a minimum of $200, but up to $1,000. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible since help is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pennsylvania typically receives more than $215 million in LIHEAP funding each year. Last year, the program helped roughly 40,000 PECO customers, which is nearly $17 million in assistance.

“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,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “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.”

In Pennsylvania, you can apply now through April 10, 2026.

Normally, the program application opens in November each year, but it was delayed due to the government shutdown.

PECO shares that the grant can be used for past-due bills and future bills.

“Pennsylvania is the third largest allocation out of all 50 states. That means, there is a lot of poverty in the state of Pennsylvania, and then when you bring it closer to home and talk about the City of Philadelphia, amongst large cities, Philadelphia has the most poverty in the nation. That tells you that there is a high need for these funds,” said PECO Manager of Community Engagement, Patricia King.

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, PECO will have in-person representatives at its main office on Market Street in Philadelphia to assist with applications at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

LIHEAP applications in Delaware and New Jersey are also already open.