LIHEAP Crisis Center Opens Today

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services today announced that the Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opens its crisis program centers today, January 3, 2011, with a tentative closing date of March 31, 2011. The program may be extended or shortened depending upon the availability of federal funds.

During the cold weather season, LIHEAP Crisis provides assistance to low-income households that are experiencing heating emergencies, such as no heat, lack of deliverable fuel – heating oil, propane and kerosene – and heating system and fuel line repairs and replacements.

In order to qualify for LIHEAP Crisis, an applicant must have an emergency situation and have a household income at or less than 160 percent of the federal poverty income level. For a family of two, this is an annual income no greater than $23,312.

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. 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: Downtown Pittsburgh, Human Services Building, One Smithfield Street - First Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Saturday hours are available in January for those who work and/or have childcare issues and cannot apply during regular Monday- Friday business hours.

For more information about the LIHEAP Crisis Program, call the Allegheny County Department of Human Services TOLL FREE at 1-800-851-3838 or visit the Utility Assistance page on the DHS website.