South Pittsburgh Reporter - Serving South Pittsburgh Since 1939

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has begun accepting applications for this season’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

The program helps low income families pay their heating bills. They can apply and check the status of an application on the state’s COMPASS website, https://goo.gl/pn81CF. Applications can be downloaded from the DHS LIHEAP website, http://goo.gl/TI0bLw. Completed paper applications should be returned to one of the Allegheny County Assistance Offices.

Funding for LIHEAP is provided by the federal government and eligibility is based on Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. The income limits for this season are as follows:

Household Income

Size Limit

1 $17,655

2 $23,895

3 $30,135

4 $36,375

5 $42,615

6 $48,855

7 $55,095

8 $61,335

9 $67,575

10 $73,815

Each additional person add $6,240

After the application is received the applicant will receive a written notice explaining their eligibility and the amount of assistance they will receive. Payments are generally sent directly to a utility company or fuel provider and will be credited to their heating account. Crisis grants may also be available if residents have an emergency situation and are in jeopardy of losing their heat. For more information, contact the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095.