Brewster: Home Heating Assistance Program Deadline Extended Through April 26

McKeesport, March 27, 2013 – State Sen. James Brewster today announced today that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) deadline has been extended through April 26. LIHEAP provides cash grants to help low-income households pay for home heating fuel and crisis grants to address heating emergencies.

“Cold temperatures and rising heating costs can be disastrous for families who already have a tough time paying their heating bills,” Brewster said. “Thankfully, there is still help available so that no individual is left in the cold during this unpredictable winter.”“Cold temperatures and rising heating costs can be disastrous for families who already have a tough time paying their heating bills,” Brewster said. “Thankfully, there is still help available so that no individual is left in the cold during this unpredictable winter.”

The federally-funded program was slated to end March 29, but the application deadline has been extended through April 26, 2013.

To-date, the LIHEAP program has received 485,689 applications for cash assistance to help low-income households pay for home heating fuel and utility bills. It has also received 86,551 applications for crisis grants, which assist with heating emergencies such as a furnace failure, unexpected fuel shortages or utility terminations.

Cash grants are based on household income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. In addition to proof of income and household size, applicants must provide a recent bill or a statement from their utility company or fuel dealer verifying their customer status and the type of fuel used.

Applicants can apply for a LIHEAP grant online at www.compass.state.pa.us. LIHEAP applications are also available at county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.

For more information on the LIHEAP program, or to download an application, visit the Department of Public Welfare website at www.dpw.state.pa.us and click on “For Adults,” or call the toll-free hotline at 1-866-857-7095.

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