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Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) pays a one-time grant of $200 to $1,000 straight to your heating company, and crisis grants help when you are about to lose heat.
The 2026–27 season runs Nov. 2, 2026 to April 23, 2027. You can apply online through COMPASS, by phone or at your County Assistance Office.
How to apply in Pennsylvania
- By phone
- 1-866-857-7095
- In person
- Apply at your County Assistance Office (CAO). DHS links to a list of local offices from its LIHEAP page.
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify in Pennsylvania
| Yearly income limit, one person (2026–27 season) | $23,940 a year for one person (150% of the federal poverty level) |
|---|---|
| Yearly income limit, two people (2026–27 season) | $32,460 a year for two people (150% of the federal poverty level) |
| Other rules | You don't have to be on public assistance or have an unpaid heating bill, and you can rent or own |
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (source 1)
What you may get
| Cash grant (one time, 2026–27) | $200 to $1,000, based on household size, income and fuel type. It doesn't have to be repaid. |
|---|---|
| Crisis grant (2026–27) | $25 to $1,000 if your heating equipment is broken, you are out of fuel or have less than 15 days left, or your heat is shut off or will be within 60 days |
| Extra payment for vulnerable households | If funds allow, households with someone 60 or older, disabled, or 5 or younger may get a supplemental payment on top of the cash grant |
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (source 1)
Dates, renewals and waiting lists
| Cash grants (2026–27 season) | Nov. 2, 2026 to April 23, 2027. DHS may shorten or extend the season depending on funds. |
|---|---|
| Crisis grants (2026–27 season) | Nov. 2, 2026 to April 23, 2027. Utility shut-off notices are accepted as proof of a crisis starting Feb. 1, 2027. |
| Before the season opens | Last year's recipients get an application in the mail, or a postcard if they applied online |
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (source 2)
How Pennsylvania is different
Where Pennsylvania's rules differ from the federal rules for LIHEAP heating and cooling help.
- Households with someone 60 or older, disabled, or 5 or younger may get an extra supplemental payment if funds allow.
- SNAP households with an elderly or disabled member that pay for heat may get a small heating benefit automatically, which can raise their SNAP benefit.
- If you already got a LIHEAP grant this season and have a heating emergency, report it to your County Assistance Office for crisis help.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (source 2)
Good to know
- You can check on your application at trackmybenefits.pa.gov. People with hearing impairments can call 711.
- The income figures DHS lists for 2026–27 say they took effect Feb. 1, 2026.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (source 1)
Free help
Free help with this in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Department of Aging
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in Pennsylvania
Help with heating and cooling bills in another state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Apply for Home Heating and Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, LIHEAP Final State Plan, Federal Fiscal Year 2027 (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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