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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Ken Smith |
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Smith encourages residents to apply for home heating crisis grants
HARRISBURG, Jan. 31 – State Rep. Ken Smith, D-Lackawanna, announced that the maximum crisis grant available to low-income residents through Pennsylvania's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will be increased from $300 to $500.
LIHEAP crisis grants are available to low-income homeowners or renters who are experiencing a heating crisis, such as a broken furnace or lack of fuel, or who are in imminent danger of having their utility service shut off. Smith said residents can apply for a LIHEAP crisis grant by contacting the Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency at 570-963-4842.
Smith also reminded low-income residents that cash grants of up to $300 are available through LIHEAP to help pay regular monthly heating bills.
"We have people in the 112th Legislative District who would benefit from the LIHEAP program," Smith said. "I am encouraging qualifying residents in Lackawanna County to contact the county office for information."
LIHEAP helps low-income households pay for home energy needs during the coldest months. The program is administered by the state Department of Public Welfare. The increase in crisis grant amounts was made possible because Pennsylvania recently received its share of more than
$44 million in federal LIHEAP emergency contingency funding. In addition to LIHEAP, $6.6 million in new funds will be used by the Department of Community and Economic Development to expand home weatherization assistance for low-income Pennsylvanians.
Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on household size and income. This year, a family of four with an annual income of up to $30,975 can quality for assistance. LIHEAP is part of Gov. Ed Rendell's Stay Warm PA initiative. Residents can visit www.staywarmpa.com to find out more about available assistance programs, energy conservation and home weatherization tips.
More information about LIHEAP is available online on Smith's Web site www.pahouse.com/KSmith.
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