PREPARING FOR THE WINTER LIHEAP SEASON

August 17th, 2026

Washington, PA – While many of us are enjoying the last few weeks of summer and winter is still out of mind, for families who rely on heating assistance, the time to start preparing for the colder months is now. With LIHEAP opening for applications in a few months, families should prepare in advance before temperatures begin to drop. If a household received benefits in the previous year’s LIHEAP season, they will receive notice to apply early during LIHEAP pre-season.  LIHEAP offers relief for many Pennsylvanians with programs including:

  • LIHEAP Cash and Crisis Grants (households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level) for direct help with energy bills and emergency funds when a shutoff is imminent
  • The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) (households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level) for home efficiency upgrades that lower both heating and cooling costs
  • Utility company Customer Assistance Programs, which offer income-based discounted monthly bills
  • Emergency Heating System Repair for eligible homeowners responsible for their primary heat source

If you think the welfare office made a mistake or made a decision about your benefits you don’t agree with, you can appeal the decision and should do so as soon as possible. Your benefits will continue while the appeal is being decided if you file your appeal within 15 days.

Summit Legal Aid will be available to help people with the appeal if they have been denied these essential life-sustaining benefits.

 

Eligibility

To qualify for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania, you must meet income requirements, which are set based on your household size. Renters and homeowners are both eligible for benefits.

You do not need to be on another public assistance program or have unpaid heating bills to qualify.

Household Size

A household includes the person or group of people who live together. When determining your household size, you must list those who live at the residence, including:

  • All children and adults
  • All relatives who are rooming at the residence
  • All unrelated people who are rooming at the residence and share household expenses

Income Requirements

Your eligibility for LIHEAP is determined by the total annual income and size of your household.  The income limit includes cumulative yearly earnings of all members of your household.  To determine your household income, you should include the income of:

  • All related or unrelated household members
  • Renters who are related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption to a household member

For more information and for eligibility, visit www.pa.gov.

WE CAN HELP

Depending on the issue, we can give you advice, represent you in court, or help you fill out complicated legal paperwork. And if you qualify, our services will be free to you.

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