In a significant effort to ease the growing burden of heating and cooling costs affecting Pennsylvania families, U.S. Senator Bob Casey has released a piece of news that will make a difference in the lives of many. The staggering $193,486,298 funding injection, coming from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistant Program (LIHEAP), promises to be an important support for the state’s low-income families.
LIHEAP, for its acronym in English, is the Energy Assistant Program for Low-Income Households, a federal government program with a laudable purpose. It has been established in order to provide financial assistance to low-income households, especially during the winter and summer seasons, when heating and cooling bills can pose an overwhelming financial burden for many families.
The LIHEAP Program in Pennsylvania Just Got New Funds
Due to an extra $100 million injection as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget under the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act, a greater number of households will now enjoy increased access to LIHEAP assistance this year. Senator Casey underscores his unwavering dedication to reducing the financial burden on Pennsylvania families in need, reaffirming his commitment to supporting individuals and households grappling with economic challenges.
Families in Pennsylvania have the opportunity to access this valuable assistance for their heating expenses by simply visiting the website energyhelp.us. This user-friendly platform enables residents to check their eligibility and apply for support through the LIHEAP program. This federal initiative not only helps you pay your bills right on time, but also provides assistance in weatherizing homes for improved energy efficiency and addressing energy emergencies during disasters and extreme weather conditions.
Who Qualifies for the Energy Bills’ Assistance in Pennsylvania?
The LIHEAP program has an online tool that will guide you through the qualification validation process and the further application itself. Let’s see an example of how to know if your household can claim this help.
The first step is the basic information: What state or territory do you live in?Since we’re talking to Pennsylvania families, let’s pick that state in the list. LIHEAP eligibility requirements can also vary for members of an American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) tribe. Are you a member of an AIAN tribe? Make your choice between “yes” and “no”.
Then, select the number of members in your household. Let’s say, for example, your family has four members, and the total family’s income is $2,500 a month (which is $30,000 per year).
The second step will ask you if you if you receive any kind of assistance, such as food stamps (SNAP benefits), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Means-tested Veterans Benefits. Let’s click, for example, SNAP and TANF.
In this hypothetical case, the household is eligible to receive LIHEAP in Pennsylvania. Take your online test here, it’s totally free.