Home Energy Assistance

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services announces that the Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will open its CRISIS centers on November 3, 2008, with a tentative closing date of March 31, 2009.

During the cold weather season, LIHEAP CRISIS provides assistance to low-income households experiencing heating emergencies, including service terminations, needed deliverable fuels – heating oil, propane and kerosene – and heating system and fuel line repairs and replacements.

In order to qualify for the LIHEAP CRISIS Program, an applicant must have an emergency situation and a household income at or less than 210 percent of the federal poverty income level – up from the original 150 percent of the federal poverty income level. For a family of two, this income eligibility requirement would represent an annual income of $30,221.

The Commonwealth also increased the amount of LIHEAP grants. The minimum cash grant will increase from $100 to $300, and residents in need of CRISIS assistance will see their maximum grant rise from $300 to $800.

To be determined eligible for LIHEAP, the applicant must provide a termination notice or 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.

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 web site: www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/utility.aspx.

Home Energy Crisis Benefit Increased

Allegheny County Department of Human Services has been advised that the state of Pennsylvania’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) will increase the maximum crisis benefit from $300 to $500.

The LIHEAP CRISIS Program provides grants to low-income households during the cold weather season to assist families experiencing an emergency situation that places them in danger of losing their heat, including utility service terminations; needed deliverable fuels such as heating oil, propane, and kerosene; and heating system and fuel-line repairs and replacements. LIHEAP recipients who have already received $300 in crisis benefits may now apply for an additional $200 to respond to another home-heating crisis.

The Pennsylvania income eligibility guidelines for 2007-2008 limit participation for a “household of one” to a maximum annual income of $15,315; and a family of four to a maximum income of $30,975. More eligibility information and application procedures can be found on the DHS website.

LIHEAP CRISIS program applicants must appear in person and will be interviewed on a first-come first-served, basis between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the following locations:

• Downtown Pittsburgh, Human Services Building, One Smithfield Street, First floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
• Natrona Heights, 1913 Freeport Road (A.V.A.C.), First floor, Natrona Heights, PA 15065
• Braddock, 849 Braddock Avenue, First floor, Braddock, PA 15104
• McKeesport, 345 5th Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132

LIHEAP makes payments directly to the utility, fuel providers or contractors on the consumer’s behalf. Emergency assistance with heating system failure is available 24 hours a day through the DHS Office of Community Services at 1-800-851-3838.