UPDATE: The federal government shutdown is forcing a significant delay in Pennsylvania’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), impacting hundreds of thousands of families struggling to pay their utility bills. The state has just announced that the program’s start date will be pushed from early November to December 3, 2023, as it awaits over $200 million in federal funding.
The delay means that over 360,000 Pennsylvania households will have to wait longer for crucial assistance. Many of these families earn less than $20,000 annually and rely heavily on LIHEAP to keep their homes warm during winter. This is a pressing issue as temperatures drop, making immediate access to heating support critical.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the state is unable to backfill the federal funds with state money, leaving the program in limbo until the shutdown concludes. The LIHEAP program is vital, providing cash grants that help households cover heating costs and crisis grants for families at immediate risk of losing heat.
The cash grants range from $200 to $1,000 and can be applied directly to utility accounts, while crisis grants, meant for urgent situations, can also reach up to $1,000. With the ongoing shutdown, officials are urging families to prepare for the delayed application process.
As of now, individuals can apply for LIHEAP once the program opens on December 3. The eligibility criteria require that a household’s income does not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, which is $23,475 for an individual and $48,225 for a family of four. Applications can be submitted online through COMPASS, Pennsylvania’s benefits portal, or in person at county assistance offices.
While families await the reopening of LIHEAP, other options for utility assistance are available in the Philadelphia area. Both Philadelphia Gas Works and PECO provide separate assistance programs to help low-income customers manage their utility costs. PECO offers a bill-capping program, payment plans, and budget billing, while PGW has programs designed to reduce gas bills and forgive past debts.
As the situation develops, families needing assistance should stay informed and prepared. The state will process pre-season applications already received but will not release payments until federal funding is secured. The hotline for inquiries is available at 1-866-857-7095.
This urgent situation highlights the significant impact of the federal shutdown on essential services, leaving vulnerable families in Pennsylvania at risk during the cold winter months. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge regarding the reopening of LIHEAP and its funding.
