Pennsylvania opens applications for winter heating aid

Pennsylvania has opened the application window for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, providing federal funds to help residents manage winter heating expenses. The program, known as LIHEAP, began accepting requests on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The timing coincides with the onset of colder weather, a period when Andrew Barnes, the executive deputy secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, said families often face difficult financial choices. Barnes noted that residents frequently must decide between purchasing groceries or paying utility bills. He stated that the program aims to alleviate that specific pressure.

LIHEAP offers two types of financial support: standard cash grants and crisis grants. The cash grant ranges from a minimum of $200 to a maximum of $1,000 per season. Applicants can receive only one cash grant during the season. Crisis grants, designed for urgent situations such as a broken furnace or imminent heat shutoff, range from $25 to $1,000. A household may receive multiple crisis grants if they experience more than one emergency. Eligible families can receive both types of grants in the same season.

Payments are sent directly to the utility company or fuel provider rather than to the household. In the previous program year, nearly 279,000 households received cash benefits with an average payout of $289. More than 121,000 households received crisis benefits averaging $566.

Barnes indicated that the number of recipients could increase this year due to rising costs for electricity, fuel, and heating oil. He said the state is prepared to meet the increased demand. He emphasized that LIHEAP acts as a supplement to other assistance, not a complete solution. He advised applicants to also contact their utility providers, who may offer separate discounts.

Households that participated in the program last year must submit a new application. Details on eligibility and the application process are available online.