LIHEAP Recovery Crisis Program Info & Webinars

This morning, the PA Department of Human Services (DHS) launched the LIHEAP Recovery Program,  which will provide crisis utility assistance to low income families who have fallen behind on their utility bills and will be at risk of termination once the emergency moratorium on utility terminations is lifted.

Click to Download the Application in English

Click to Download the Application in Spanish

Eligibility:

  • Income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level
  • Resident of Pennsylvania
  • Responsible for primary or secondary heating source, either directly or as an undesignated portion of rent
    • A secondary heating sources necessary to operate the primary fuel type, such as electricity (which is required to operate a natural gas or oil furnace)
  • Actual or imminent home heating (energy) emergency that can be resolved by the crisis grant (alone or with other resources)
    • For this program, in light of the current moratorium on terminations, DHS will accept a past-due utility bill as evidence of an imminent home energy emergency, provided their utility confirms that the balance due would normally result in termination.
    • DHS will also issue a Crisis grant to cover a past-due deliverable fuel bill (oil, wood, coal, propane) if the deliverable fuel company will not complete a new delivery due to the past-due balance.

Benefits:

  • Up to $800 Crisis Grant to resolve an imminent home energy emergency for households that have not already received a Crisis grant in the 2019/2020 LIHEAP season.
  • Automatic $100 supplemental Crisis grant for households that received a Crisis grant during the regular 2019/2020 LIHEAP season (Nov. 1, 2019 – April 10, 2020).
    • Supplemental grants will be directed to the utility for which the household last received assistance unless the household otherwise requests the grant to be directed to a different utility.
    • Consumers who received a crisis grant during the 2019/2020 LIHEAP Season may be eligible for additional crisis grant dollars if necessary to resolve a crisis, up to the maximum $800.

How to Apply:

  • Online at www.compass.state.pa.us
  • If you received a LIHEAP Cash or Crisis grant during the regular 2019/2020 LIHEAP season, you may contact your local CAO to apply over the phone.
  • Print and mail a one page (front and back) application, along with supportive documentation. English Version/Spanish Version
  • Print and drop off an application, along with supportive documentation, in the drop-box at the local County Assistance Office.
    • Drop-boxes may not be available at all CAO locations.  Be sure to call before visiting the CAO.

UTILITY CRISIS ASSISTANCE: LIHEAP Recovery Crisis Program Informational Webinars

Today, the Department of Human Services launched a LIHEAP Recovery Program, which will provide crisis utility assistance to low income households. https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/LIHEAP-Recovery-Crisis-Program.aspx

Join the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project and representatives from the Department of Human Services’ LIHEAP Policy Office THIS FRIDAY for a brief online informational session to learn about the eligibility requirements and benefits available to low income households through this important program. 

We are offering three options to accommodate your busy schedule!  Register now to attend one of these important informational sessions:

PLEASE NOTE: We will not be offering CLE credits for these webinars.