Pennsylvania's LIHEAP has been extended for two weeks, according to an announcement made last week. The application period, originally set to end April 2, will now close April 16.
LIHEAP provides cash grants to help low-income households pay for home heating fuel and crisis grants to address heating emergencies such as a furnace failure or unexpected fuel shortages.
"This was a harsh and difficult winter that forced many families to expend additional resources to heat their homes," Governor Ed Rendell said. "By extending the application deadline, we can ensure that our most vulnerable residents have the resources they need to cover those unplanned expenses."
Rendell said changes in the program have allowed for more efficient management of LIHEAP, which freed resources to allow for the extension.
LIHEAP is administered through the Department of Public Welfare and has helped 382,046 families through cash grants and 111,178 households with crisis grants since the program opened last November for the current season.
Cash grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Crisis grants are provided to resolve heating emergencies.
Applications are available at county assistance offices, local utility companies, and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.
Applicants can call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095, Monday through Friday (individuals with hearing impairments may call the TDD number at 1-800-451-5886).
Source: Governor’s Office, newspapers
