LIHEAP Helps People Stay Warm
Soon this could be the view from our windows here in Central Pennsylvania. Although the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts this will be a warmer than normal winter, the Farmer’s Almanac is saying winter is “making a comeback” this year. Either way families already struggling could have a hard time paying to heat their homes. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is ready to help cover those costs. (Photo by Julie Rae Rickard)
By Julie Rae Rickard
With the price of everything going up, low income families will struggle even more this year to pay for home heating costs. Luckily there is money available to help them in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
On October 24, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the release of $3.7 billion from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) for LIHEAP during the 2023-2024 home heating season.
“With this release, the Biden-Harris Administration has invested nearly $22 billion in LIHEAP to date, which is part of the Administration’s broader efforts to lower costs for American families,” according to a press release issued by the HHS.
“LIHEAP is critical to lowering energy costs for families, and protecting the health and safety of households, particularly those that include older adults, individuals with disabilities, and young children,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.
“With additional support from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, this essential program will help households keep the heat on in the winter and stay cool in the summer while still being able to afford other essentials necessary for good health like food, medicine, and housing,” he added.
“LIHEAP is a lifeline for households across the country who need support with their home energy bills,” said ACF Acting Assistant Secretary Jeff Hild. “Last year alone LIHEAP served more than six million households. By helping to alleviate the burden of home energy costs, LIHEAP advances ACF’s mission to promote the economic and social well-being of children, families, and communities.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’s plan for Pennsylvania which was finalized prior to the additional funds being made available, estimated they would have $164.8 million for state residents to assist paying heating bills during the 2023-2024 LIHEAP period. Approximately, $32.25 million will be available to help applicants with weatherization to save on their energy costs.
The program officially begins on Nov. 1 and will end April 5, 2024.
This year they estimate over 254,000 people will be served with cash benefits with approximately 113,667 homes possibly receiving crisis money, according to their final report.
The cash payments have a minimum of $300 and a maximum of $1,000. While the crisis component, for those in danger of losing their heat, has benefits ranging for $25 to $1,000, depending on income.
The income limits to be eligible this year are below $20,385 for a single person and less than $41,625 for a family of four. The full table is available online in the LIHEAP section of the Department of Health website, www.dhs.pa.gov.
There are also links to the Compass site where you can apply online, and information on the location of your local county assistance office where you can fill out a paper application. If you have questions, you can call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095.
Additional help is out there as Central PA Community Action lists a few options on their website, www.cpcaa.net/housingandutilityassistance. This includes:
The Dollar Energy Fund which has helped low income households since 1983 and provides approximately 14,000 utility hardship grants on an annual basis.
Neighbor For Neighbor was started by the National Fuel Gas Company shareholders and individuals in various communities. They help prevent the disconnection of utilities, pay energy bills and purchase home heating fuel.
You can find suggestions for making your home heating funds go further at www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver where they have tips and instructions for insulating your water heater, caulking windows and other do-it-yourself options.
If you have electric heat or use electronic heaters, you can get help with paying your winter electric bill through the Customer Assistance Program (CAP). To participate, call Penelec’s PCAP at 888-282-6816 or your electricity provider.