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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. James E. Casorio, Jr. |
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Casorio announces expansion of LIHEAP for many households
HARRISBURG, Feb. 8 -- State Rep. James E. Casorio Jr., D-Westmoreland, announced today that additional federal funding has been provided to Pennsylvania for its Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Casorio said the $26 million in additional federal funding will be used by the state to increase cash assistance grants under the program by as much as $100 for many households.
"Thousands of families in our region need help paying their winter heating bills, and many are receiving assistance through LIHEAP," Casorio said. "This latest expansion of the program will allow some of the most vulnerable households in our area to get even more help keeping their homes warm until spring."
Casorio noted that the maximum cash grant under LIHEAP is $400. The new federal funding will be used to provide an additional $100 in grant funding for households receiving LIHEAP assistance where there is a person over 60, a person with a disability, or children younger than 5.
LIHEAP offers two kinds of grants to eligible households: cash grants to help pay regular monthly heating bills and crisis grants for heating emergencies such as broken equipment, fuel shortages or termination of utility service. People do not have to be on welfare to receive LIHEAP.
"You can qualify even if you haven't missed a heating payment yet, and no lien is placed on your home if you receive assistance," Casorio said. "If you are struggling to pay your heating bill and you think you might qualify for assistance, please contact my offices for more information."
Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on family size and income. This winter season, a family of four earning up to $33,075 may qualify for LIHEAP. Residents can find additional information about LIHEAP, as well as detailed household size and income limits, by visiting the LIHEAP link on Casorio's Web site or by contacting his local offices, listed below. The program runs through April 2.
Rep. Casorio's local offices:
8981 Norwin Ave., Building
1, Suite 204, North Huntingdon, PA 15642; Phone: (724) 861-0247
Altier Professional Center,
Lower Level, Suite 200, 621 N. Fourth St. (at Harrison Avenue), Jeannette, PA
15644; Phone: (724) 523-2491
Harrison Room, Mill Street, Harrison City, PA 15636; Office open 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Tuesdays