Rep. Mike Fleck (R-Huntingdon) would like to remind residents struggling with home-heating costs that they have until March 22 to apply for Pennsylvania\\\’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP, which is funded by the federal government and administered by the state Department of Public Welfare (DPW), helps low-income households pay their heating bills and covers weather emergencies through energy assistance grants.
The 2006-07 program opened Nov. 6, 2006. Eligible residents can continue submitting an application through March 22 or until funding is depleted.
Households with an annual income of up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level qualify. People need not have an unpaid bill to receive energy assistance, and they need not be on welfare.
Those deemed eligible can receive cash grants to pay their home heating bills and crisis grants for unexpected fuel shortages or furnace purchases or repairs. Grants are based on family size, income, type of heating fuel and heating regions. Crisis grants of up to $300 are approved for families experiencing heating emergencies, such as mechanical breakdowns or unexpected fuel shortages.
To apply for LIHEAP, call or visit the local county assistance office to set up an appointment. Residents should be sure to apply in their home counties and are reminded they need the following to obtain assistance:
• Names of people in the household.
• Dates of birth for people in household.
• Social Security numbers for all household members.
• Proof of income for members of household.
• A copy of a recent heating bill.
For more information, contact the county assistance office or call the toll-free LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095 (individuals with hearing impairments may call the TDD number at 1-800-451-5886). For residents living in Huntingdon County, the number is 814-643-1170. The Blair County number is 814-946-7365. The Mifflin County number is 717-248-6746. Internet users can access additional information at Fleck\\\’s web site at www.repfleck.com.
