March 10, 2009

Yesterday, as part of his emergency economic relief package, Governor Rendell announced he will commit $6.6 million to extend home heating assistance for an extra week, a decision that will benefit approximately 19,000 families.

"Job loss in the winter means some families will have to go without heat," he stated. "When families make tough decisions about what to cut out in the family budget, energy payments sometimes are the first thing to go. But this can have very dangerous consequences, especially for families with young children. I hope this additional assistance will provide relief to such families."

LIHEAP is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The regular LIHEAP program pays at least $300 for heating bills. This includes bills for electricity, gas, water, oil, propane, and kerosene.

The LIHEAP Crisis program pays up to $800. The Crisis grant can be used to stop a shutoff of a utility service or to get service turned back on. If using oil, propane, or kerosene, the Crisis grant can be used for fuel.

Both homeowners and renters are eligible for LIHEAP and may be able to receive regular LIHEAP and a LIHEAP Crisis grant at the same time.

To apply for regular LIHEAP, mail or take an application to:

LIHEAP
1348 W. Sedgley Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19132

For help with the LIHEAP application, or to apply for LIHEAP Crisis, go to a Neighborhood Energy Center or call the LIHEAP Crisis Hotline to start a Crisis application over the phone, 215-587-0060.

LIHEAP has NEW, HIGHER income limits: