LIHEAP heating assistance program now taking applications
(Harrisburg) — A state program providing low-income residents financial help with home heating costs is now accepting applications.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, offers money for both monthly heating bills and crises like broken boilers.
“We did have a pretty cold winter last year, and so I think people are a little bit more aware. In the last few years, we have seen an increase. I think part of that is due to the fact that individuals are more aware of the program,” saysKait Gillis, spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Welfare. She says about 400,000 people applied last winter.
To qualify, someone usually can’t make more than 150 percent of the federal poverty line – that’s about $36,000 for a family of four.
There are two ways to apply – visiting a county assistance office, or going online to compass.state.pa.us.
$140 million in federal money helps fund the program.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
