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COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep.
Nick Kotik |
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November 2009
Every year, hundreds of thousands of families across the state, including many here in the 45th Legislative District, apply for help to heat their homes through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
LIHEAP is a critical tool for families and individuals who have a problem paying their home-heating costs. Families do not have to be on cash assistance to qualify for LIHEAP, and can receive assistance even if they have not missed a payment on a heating bill. Both homeowners and renters can qualify.
LIHEAP offers two types of grants and the amount of each type of grant depends on income, household size, type of heating fuel and region of the state. Cash grants help families pay regular monthly heating bills. Crisis grants are also available to pay for heating emergencies such as a broken furnace, a fuel shortage, or utility service shutoff. These will be made available beginning in January.
There are income requirements to be eligible for a grant. Under LIHEAP, a family of four with an annual income of up to $33,075 can qualify for assistance. Some of the information you need to supply on the application includes birthdates and Social Security numbers for everyone living in the household. You must also have proof of household income and a copy of a recent heating bill.
The program runs through March 15, or as long as funds remain available. I recommend that if you believe you are eligible that you apply as soon as possible. Forms can be picked up at my office, but must be mailed directly to your county assistance office.
We won't even reach the height of cold weather for months, but the struggle to pay energy bills has already begun for many families. I realize how much of a household budget can go into home heating costs, and that is why I wanted to get this information to you as soon as possible.
Additional information pertaining to income eligibility guidelines, as well as LIHEAP applications, can be obtained by contacting the Allegheny County Assistance Office or visiting www.compass.state.pa.us. You can also call the "Stay Warm PA" toll-free hotline at 1-866-550-4355.
Remember, my door is always open to your questions. Please contact me. You may stop by or call my Coraopolis office at 412-264-4260, or my Carnegie office at 412-429-5091, to talk to me or someone on my staff.