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COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph Brennan |
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Help for home heating bills
by state Rep. Joe Brennan
Nov. 3, 2008
Every year, hundreds of thousands of families across the state, including many here in the 133rd 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.
Absolutely no lien is placed on the home of people who receive LIHEAP benefits.
This year, Gov. Rendell has expanded the program with an additional $87 million to help Pennsylvania families in need.
By doing so, the governor has allowed for an increase in income limits for LIHEAP. That means families can earn more and still qualify. For example, the income limit for a family of four is $44,443.
LIHEAP offers two types of grants. The minimum value of cash grants to help families pay regular monthly heating bills has been increased this year from $100 to $300. The amount of the grant depends on income, household size, type of heating fuel and region of the state. Crisis grants of up to $800, up from $300, are also available to pay for heating emergencies such as a broken furnace, a fuel shortage, or utility service shutoff.
The program is now open and runs through March 31, 2009, or when funds have been depleted, whichever occurs first. 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.
Additional information pertaining to income eligibility guidelines, as well as LIHEAP applications, can be obtained by contacting your county assistance office or visiting www.compass.state.pa.us. You can also call the governor’s "Stay Warm PA" toll-free hotline at 1-866-550-4355 or visit my Web site at www.pahouse.com/Brennan.
Local residents can also call their local county assistance office for details: Lehigh County Assistance Office, 610-821-6509; Northampton County Assistance Office, 610-250-1785.
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