Trending
HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania residents who need assistance paying their heating bills can now apply for the 2026-27 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, with applications being accepted through April 23, 2027.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced the opening of the program Monday, reminding residents that financial assistance is available to help cover home heating costs during the winter months.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides grants directly to utility companies or fuel providers on behalf of eligible households. The assistance does not have to be repaid.
"Pennsylvanians need to be able to heat their homes and keep themselves and their families warm through the winter, and LIHEAP helps hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians each year stay safe and healthy during the coldest months of the year," said Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh.
For the 2026-27 season, LIHEAP cash grants range from $200 to $1,000, with eligible households permitted to receive one cash grant per season.
Additional crisis grants are available for households facing heating emergencies, including those at risk of utility disconnection, those whose heating service has already been shut off or those with less than two weeks of heating fuel remaining.
Crisis grants range from $25 to $1,000. Households experiencing multiple emergencies may qualify for more than one crisis grant, up to the $1,000 seasonal maximum.
Eligibility is based on household income, with applicants required to earn no more than 150% of the federal poverty level.
For the 2026-27 season, the annual gross income limit is $23,940 for an individual and $49,500 for a family of four.
During the 2025-26 heating season, 278,910 Pennsylvania households received LIHEAP cash benefits, with an average payment of $289. Another 121,329 households received crisis assistance, averaging $566 per payment.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission also reminded residents that the state’s annual winter utility shutoff moratorium begins Dec. 1 and continues through March 31.
The moratorium prohibits regulated electric and natural gas utilities from terminating service to households with incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.
Public water utilities regulated by the commission also are prohibited from disconnecting service to qualifying households that use water to heat their homes.
However, the moratorium does not eliminate outstanding utility balances, and customers remain responsible for unpaid bills.
"LIHEAP is one of the strongest tools we have to help Pennsylvania families stay warm and manage their energy bills," said Public Utility Commission Chairman Steve DeFrank. "We encourage anyone who may be struggling to apply early and also reach out to their utilities."
Utility companies may offer additional assistance programs, including reduced monthly payments, debt forgiveness and other financial assistance.
Applicants can choose to have their LIHEAP information shared with their utility provider to help determine eligibility for those programs.
Households that received LIHEAP assistance in previous years must apply again for the current season. Those who were previously denied benefits also are encouraged to reapply if they believe they may qualify.
Applications can be submitted online at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS.
Residents also can request a paper application or obtain additional information by calling the LIHEAP Helpline at 1-866-857-7095.
State officials said residents do not need to determine their eligibility before applying.