Home heating Aid Deadline Extended to April 18

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Mike Hanna (D-Lock Haven) said this week people who need help with home heating bills should be aware that the filing deadline for the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program has been extended from April 4 to April 18.

“My office staff is available to help people who have yet to apply for this worthwhile program, which is especially important after the harsh winter that was experienced across Pennsylvania,” said Hanna.

Cash grants are based on household income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. 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 used.

Income eligibility starts at $17,235 for one person and increases by $6,030 for each additional family member.

Since the beginning of the LIHEAP season on Nov. 4, the state has processed about 357,000 applications for cash assistance to help low-income households pay for home heating fuel. It has also provided more than 107,000 crisis grants, which assist with heating emergencies such as a furnace failure or unexpected fuel shortages.

Residents can apply for a LIHEAP grant online at www.compass.state.pa.us or in person at county assistance offices. The Clinton County Assistance Office is at 300 Bellefonte Ave., Suite 101, Lock Haven and the LIHEAP hotline is 570-893-4409. The Centre County Assistance Office is at 2580 Park Center Blvd., State College and the LIHEAP hotline is 814-861-1955.

For more information about LIHEAP, visit www.dpw.state.pa.us or contact Hanna’s offices at 29 Bellefonte Ave. in Lock Haven, 570-748-5480 and at 102 Turnpike St. in Milesburg, 814-353-8780