|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State Rep.
Nick Kotik |
  
|
Kotik: Pa. heating-bill aid funding rises as temperatures fall
CORAOPOLIS, Oct. 31 – State Rep. Nick Kotik, D-Allegheny, said more area families will be able to get help paying their heating bills this winter due to an $87 million increase in the amount of funding available for Pennsylvania's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
"We've already hit winter-like temperatures in October, so this increase is needed now more than ever," Kotik said. "Colder than normal weather coupled with a sagging economy is going to make for a tough season of heating bills for many families, but this will help a lot of them get the help they need."
Kotik said the program opens Monday, Nov. 3. A total of $280 million will be available this winter for heating assistance statewide. LIHEAP provides eligible households with cash grants of $300 or more, and crisis grants of up to $800.
"The cash grants help to pay regular heating bills so families don't have to choose between heating their home or paying for another necessity," he said. "Crisis grants are there to deal with heating emergencies, such as a broken furnace or a potential heating shutoff."
Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on household size and income. This year's additional funding will allow Pennsylvania to boost income eligibility, so, for example, a family of four with a household income of up to approximately 210 percent of the federal poverty level – or about $44,443 – is eligible for assistance.
Kotik said the expanded income guidelines will make about 450,000 Pennsylvania households eligible for LIHEAP this year.
"This will help more than 100,000 more people than last year," Kotik said. "Help is there and I encourage you to look into it if you think you may qualify."
More information about the program is available by calling the Allegheny County Assistance Office at 412-565-2151 or by clicking on the LIHEAP link at Kotik's Web site -- www.pahouse.com/Kotik.
###