Deadline Extended for LIHEAP Program

The application deadline for Pennsylvania’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program has been extended until Friday, April 13, 2012, the  Allegheny County Department of Human Services announced. 

The LIHEAP program provides grants of up to $1,000 to help low-income families pay heating bills during the winter months. LIHEAP also offers crisis grants of up to $300 for families that experience heating emergencies, such as a broken furnace, fuel shortage or utility termination.

Grant amounts are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. The program is open to income eligible utility customers who have termination notices with a mailed date of Feb. 1 or later.

This is an extension of the original closing date of March 30.

In order to qualify, an applicant must have an emergency situation and have a household income at or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty income level. For a family of two, this is an annual income no greater than $22,065.

The applicant must also provide proof of their heating emergency, such as a letter from the utility company stating that the utility has been shut off, proof of social security numbers for all household members and proof of gross income for a minimum of the last 90 days (more in some situations) for all household members 18 and older. Proof of the last 30 days is required for fixed income clients, such as Social Security or Cash Assistance recipients.

To apply in person for the LIHEAP Crisis Program, applicants should go to one of the following locations:

Downtown Pittsburgh

Human Services Building, One Smithfield Street - First Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Natrona Heights

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches, 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, PA. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

For more information about the LIHEAP Crisis Program, call 1-800-851-3838 or visit the Utility Assistance page on the DHS website: www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/utility.aspx.