HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) \u2014 Applications for Pennsylvania\u2019s Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) open Wednesday.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cPennsylvanians 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,\u201d DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh said. \u201cLIHEAP helps hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians each year by providing cash and crisis grants directly to the eligible household\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019 worth of deliverable fuel like oil, propane, coal or wood. They also have to meet income guidelines.<\/p>\n
Close<\/a><\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Watch for us in your inbox.<\/p>\n Subscribe Now<\/p>\n Those who may undergo more than one emergency during the LIHEAP season can apply for more than one crisis grant.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More info about LIHEAP can be found online on the state\u2019s Department of Human Services website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n