From staff reports

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced the 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season has been extended through May 8, giving eligible residents additional time to apply for heating assistance.

DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said the extension follows a delayed program opening earlier this season and reflects the availability of sufficient funding to continue benefits.

As of late March, LIHEAP has assisted more than 233,000 Pennsylvania households with an average cash benefit of $282 and nearly 83,000 households with crisis grants averaging $558.

“LIHEAP helps Pennsylvanians heat their homes and keep their families safe during the winter months, but past-due bills and emergencies can continue into the spring,” Arkoosh said. “If you are still having trouble paying your heating bills, please apply by May 8 so LIHEAP can help ease this burden.”

LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by DHS that provides assistance with home heating costs for both renters and homeowners. The program offers two types of support:

Cash grants, ranging from $200 to $1,000, to help reduce monthly heating bills

Crisis grants, ranging from $25 to $1,000, for households facing emergencies such as utility shutoffs or low fuel supplies

Benefits are paid directly to utility companies or fuel providers and do not need to be repaid.

Households may qualify for LIHEAP if their income is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. For the 2025-26 season, that includes individuals earning up to $23,940 annually and families of four earning up to $48,500.

DHS officials noted that, despite broader federal discussions about funding for energy assistance programs, there are no changes to LIHEAP eligibility or benefits for the current season in Pennsylvania. Continued federal support remains critical to maintaining future assistance.

Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP online through COMPASS, by phone at 1-866-550-4355, or in person at their local County Assistance Office. Residents do not need to know their eligibility before applying, and those previously denied are encouraged to reapply.

Additional assistance may also be available through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s LIHEAP Emergency Services Program, which helps cover heating system repairs or replacements. Funding for that program is limited and applications must be submitted by Wednesday.

More information about LIHEAP is available on the DHS website.