BLOG: PA Extends LIHEAP Deadline
By Jim Donovan: In Pennsylvania the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application deadline has been extended to April 15. With more than $85 million still available in LIHEAP assistance PECO and PGW customers should apply now before funds run out.
LIHEAP is a Federal program that provides assistance to individuals who are having trouble paying their electric, natural gas or other energy bills. Homeowners, renters, and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible.
LIHEAP is offered in two forms: Cash grants and Crisis grants. The Cash grants help families pay their winter heating bills; even if there is no shut-off notice. Crisis grants help households whose service is off or in danger of losing service.
With the deadline to apply quickly approaching and with assistance available only until funds run out, customers are encouraged to apply for their LIHEAP grant immediately.
PECO customers should call 1-800-34-HELP-4, log on to www.peco.com/help, or visit PECO's District Office at 2301 Market Street in Philadelphia.
PGW Customers can apply for LIHEAP Crisis at the LIHEAP District at 1348 West Sedgley Avenue and for LIHEAP Cash at any of PGW's Customer Service Centers. They may also call 215-684-6100 for additional information.
Grants are based on household size and income, type of fuel used and county of residence – and a family of four with an annual household income of $35,280 can qualify for help. To be eligible, annual household income cannot exceed 160 percent of the Federal poverty income guidelines, or:
$17,328 one-person household
$23,312 two-person household
$29,296 three-person household
$35,280 four-person household
$41,264 five-person household
For larger households, the guidelines increase by $5,984 for each additional person.
