Many to receive additional heating assistance

Additional federal funding that has been provided to Pennsylvania for its Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will be used to increase grant amounts by $100 for many households.

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. You do not have to be on welfare to receive LIHEAP, and no lien is placed on your home if you receive assistance.

The maximum cash grant for LIHEAP is $400. The new federal money will be used by Pennsylvania to provide an additional $100 in assistance to households with people over 60, with a disability, or with children younger than 5.

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. You can find additional information about LIHEAP, as well as detailed household size and income limits, by visiting the LIHEAP link on my Web site.

If you believe you may be eligible, but still haven't yet applied for heating assistance this winter, please contact my offices for information, applications and assistance. The program runs through April 2.