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.

State's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opened for the 2009-10 heating season on Nov. 2 and will run through March 15, 2010. LIHEAP provides cash grants to help low-income households pay for home heating fuel, and crisis grants to address heating emergencies. For the upcoming heating season, the crisis portion of the program will open on Jan. 4, 2010, and not simultaneously with the cash grant program.

Cash grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel, and region. Crisis grants are provided to resolve heating emergencies, such as furnace failures or unexpected fuel shortages. In addition to proof of income and household size, applicants must provide a recent bill or a statement from their fuel dealer verifying their customer status and the type of fuel that they use.

Applications are available at county assistance offices, local utility companies, and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. More information and applications are available online. You can also contact the Allegheny County LIHEAP at 412-562-0330.

Heating Tips for Winter

Programmable thermostats, insulation, and weather-stripping can make a significant difference in the energy-efficiency of your home this winter. A small investment or getting an energy audit can help you make changes that will save you hundreds or more in the long run. For more information, please visit www.staywarmpa.com.

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.