LIHEAP Can Help With Heating Bills

 The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to families who need help with their heating bills this winter, according to Rep. Ellen M. Bard (L153).

The program, 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.

Eligible families can receive cash grants to pay their home heating bills and crisis grants for unexpected fuel shortages or furnace purchases or repairs. This year's maximum crisis benefit will increase from $250 to $400, and cash benefits will increase by 30 percent.

Grants are based on family size, income, type of heating fuel and heating regions. The average cash grant in 1999 was $241. and the average crisis grant was $239.

The $105 million available for this year's program is expected to benefit more than 245,000 households across Pennsylvania.

Applications have already been mailed to persons who received LIHEAP benefits last year. The program officially opens on Nov. 6. The deadline to apply for cash assistance is Jan. 31, 2001.  The deadline for crisis grants is March 15, 2001.

         For more information, contact your county assistance office or call the DPW help line at 1- 800-692-7462.