LIHEAP is a program funded by the federal government and administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that helps qualified residents of Pennsylvania pay their home heating bills during the winter months. Assistance is available to both tenants and homeowners. The LIHEAP application period for cash grants and crisis grants opened on November 4, 2024, and has been extended until April 18, 2025.
The funds are available in the form of cash or crisis grants that are directly distributed to a household’s utility company or home heating fuel provider. Individuals or households do not need to repay the assistance. The minimum LIHEAP cash grant is $200, and the maximum cash grant is $1,000. Individuals and households can receive one cash grant per LIHEAP season, unlike other states where this program is available year-round.
Regarding the LIHEAP Program, Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada sends a message to our community now that the deadline has been extended to April 18. «The extension of the LIHEAP application deadline is excellent for my constituents and Philadelphia residents in general. This program is one of the best resources the city government offers to save money on home heating costs. It can even be applied retroactively to bills paid this winter.»
Additionally, Lozada mentioned related water and utility programs available to constituents. «My office has connected dozens of constituents with LIHEAP, and in the past, I have organized campaigns specifically to ensure that community members have access to this important program. We will continue spreading the word about the deadline extension and are ready to assist any community member interested in applying.»
The constituents should know that Spanish is spoken, and Councilwoman Lozada emphasized, «My bilingual staff is available to assist constituents in both English and Spanish. One of my top priorities is to ensure that every constituent can access services without barriers.» Constituents can visit her District office at 4821-A Frankford Ave or the City Hall office in Room 484. We are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
The minimum LIHEAP cash grant is $200, and the maximum cash grant is $1,000. Individuals and households can receive one cash grant per season, unlike other states where this program is available year-round. It is important to clarify that individuals or households do not need to repay the assistance.
Pennsylvania residents can apply for LIHEAP and other public assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) online at www.dhs.pa.gov/compass or by phone at 1-866-550-4355. Pennsylvania residents do not need to know their eligibility to apply.
Councilwoman Carmen Fonseca from Benephilly Esperanza office added, “This program helps people who are facing crises with their utility services.” This is a one-time grant that helps with overdue bills and service shutoffs, so they need to know that the deadline is fast approaching.
Those interested in more information can visit Esperanza’s offices Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 4261 N 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, or contact them directly at 215-324-0746 ext. 249.
