Pennsylvania residents who have trouble paying their heating bills will now have until May 1 to apply for financial assistance through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), according to the DHS.
The federally-financed program provides assistance in the form of cash grants to households in immediate danger of being without heat.
April triggers shut-off ability for utility companies, which are barred from turning off utilities during the winter months of December through March. Up to 400 customers are being sent shut off notices each day now, according to PECO. Approximately 145,000 cusomters are more than 30 days late on their bills, but PECO says that number is down 10-percent from last year.
Given the plunging temperatures the Philadelphia region endured this winter, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the application deadline will be extended for an additional month.
“Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable were able to heat their homes this winter because of LIHEAP,” Wolf said in a statement. “By keeping the program open longer, we hope to provide additional assistance to those who are struggling to keep their family warm.”
Homeowners, renters and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible for assistance, as long as their annual household income does not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty income.
Customers can apply for a LIHEAP grant online or by contacting the assistance office at 1-866-857-7095. For more information, visit www.dhs.state.pa.us.
