◢ Pennsylvania · Utility Assistance · 2025-2026 Season
Pennsylvania's energy assistance program is called Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Below: the current income table, benefit amounts, apply link, and hotline.
Season
2025-2026 season: December 3, 2025 through May 8, 2026 (deadline extended from original April 10 close).
Benefit range
Cash Component: annual heating benefit typically $300 to $1,000 per household, paid directly to the utility or fuel vendor.
Income standard
150% of Federal Poverty Level.
◢ Income eligibility
Gross income for the calendar month before you apply. If your household is at or below the limit, you qualify.
| Household size | Max monthly gross | Max annual gross |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,956 | $23,475 |
| 2 people | $2,644 | $31,725 |
| 3 people | $3,331 | $39,975 |
| 4 people | $4,019 | $48,225 |
| 5 people | $4,706 | $56,475 |
| 6 people | $5,394 | $64,725 |
| 7 people | $6,081 | $72,975 |
| 8 people | $6,769 | $81,225 |
| 9 people | $7,456 | $89,475 |
| 10 people | $8,144 | $97,725 |
Source: Pennsylvania state agency. Verified 2026-08-24. Some households above these limits may still qualify for crisis benefits.
◢ How much you can get
Cash Component: annual heating benefit typically $300 to $1,000 per household, paid directly to the utility or fuel vendor. Crisis Component: minimum $25, maximum $1,000 per season, paid based on the amount needed to resolve the emergency (broken heater, empty tank, shutoff notice).
◢ Beyond the regular grant
Crisis grants are approved by County Assistance Offices (CAOs) within 18 hours for life-threatening situations (no heat in freezing weather) and 48 hours for non-life-threatening emergencies. Qualifying crisis conditions: utility shutoff or shutoff notice, no fuel or less than 15-day supply, broken heating equipment, or loss of the main heating source.
Pennsylvania does not fund a stand-alone cooling program under LIHEAP. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is administered by DCED and can improve summer efficiency for eligible low-income homes.
◢ How to apply
Pennsylvania accepts Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) applications through multiple channels. Pick the one that fits your situation. Regular benefits are first-come, first-served, so apply as soon as the season opens.
Online through COMPASS PA at compass.state.pa.us (fastest)
By phone to the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-866-857-7095 (mailed paper application)
In person at your local County Assistance Office (CAO); find yours at pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/find-a-county-assistance-office
Download and mail LIHEAP application from pa.gov/services/dhs/apply-for-the-low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
◢ What to bring
Every Pennsylvania household filing for Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) needs the same core paperwork. Gather these first so the caseworker can process the application on the first visit.
Driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate for every adult in the household.
Pay stubs, Social Security award letter, SSI/SSDI statement, unemployment benefit letter, or a signed self-employment statement.
Lease, mortgage statement, or a recent utility bill in your name at your current address.
Most recent bill from your primary heating source, plus SSNs for everyone in the household.
◢ Local offices
Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is processed at the county level in Pennsylvania. Emergency benefits, in-person applications, and case questions all go through your county's Department of Social Services or equivalent office.
◢ If your application is denied
Denial is not the end. Federal rule requires every Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) denial notice to name the specific reason and give you an appeals path. Work through this order.
Look for the specific reason (income over limit, missing document, wrong heating source on file). Most denials are documentation issues, not eligibility.
In Pennsylvania, you generally have 60 days from the notice date to request a fair hearing. Do it in writing and keep the confirmation.
If the denial was for a missing document, you can typically reapply the same day with the corrected paperwork. No 30-day wait for documentation fixes.
If shutoff is imminent while you appeal, 211 routes to Pennsylvania community action agencies, faith-based emergency funds, and utility hardship programs that fill the gap.
◢ Official resources
Bookmark these. Every eligibility rule, dollar amount, and season date on this page traces back to one of these primary sources.
PA DHS: 650 Income Manual Appendix A (2025-26 limits)
services.dpw.state.pa.us/oimpolicymanuals/liheap/650_Income/650_Appendix_A.htm
PA.gov: 2025-26 LIHEAP Important Facts (PDF)
www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/providers/documents/liheap-vendors/2025-26-liheap-important-facts-for-customers.pdf
PA.gov: LIHEAP Program Overview
www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/liheap
LIHEAP Clearinghouse: Pennsylvania State Profile
liheapch.acf.gov/profiles/Pennsylvania.htm
◢ Pennsylvania utility questions
Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) uses 150% of Federal Poverty Level. Verified against Pennsylvania DHS 650 Income Manual Appendix A (2025-26 season) and PA.gov LIHEAP season announcement (December 2, 2025). A one-person household must earn under $1,956 per month, with limits scaling by household size. The full table is above.
Cash Component: annual heating benefit typically $300 to $1,000 per household, paid directly to the utility or fuel vendor. Crisis Component: minimum $25, maximum $1,000 per season, paid based on the amount needed to resolve the emergency (broken heater, empty tank, shutoff notice).
2025-2026 season: December 3, 2025 through May 8, 2026 (deadline extended from original April 10 close). Crisis component runs throughout the season. Applications open again in fall for the next heating cycle.
Crisis grants are approved by County Assistance Offices (CAOs) within 18 hours for life-threatening situations (no heat in freezing weather) and 48 hours for non-life-threatening emergencies. Qualifying crisis conditions: utility shutoff or shutoff notice, no fuel or less than 15-day supply, broken heating equipment, or loss of the main heating source. Call the emergency line at 1-866-857-7095 (same line; specify Crisis when calling).
Pennsylvania does not fund a stand-alone cooling program under LIHEAP. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is administered by DCED and can improve summer efficiency for eligible low-income homes.
Most states require: proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters, SSI/SSDI award), a recent utility bill or lease, and Social Security numbers for everyone in the household. Bring citizenship or eligible-immigration documents if requested.
Editorial disclaimer
GrantsHubUSA is an independent editorial blog. We do not administer Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or process applications. Always confirm current eligibility, deadlines, and contact details with the Pennsylvania state agency before applying. See our full disclaimer.
