Winter is not too far away for those of us who live in or around the Philadelphia area. With the temperatures dropping down further each day, many low-income families are worried about how they are going to stay warm through the chilly days and nights. Thankfully, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now accepting applications for the 2020-2021 winter season. If you or someone you know needs government assistance, the Silver & Silver team encourages you to visit the Department of Human Services (DHS) website and fill out an application as soon as possible. The applications close on April 9, 2021.
What is LIHEAP?
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides monetary assistance to impoverished families who cannot otherwise afford to pay their heating bills. They offer cash grants to help with home heating bills and crisis grants to help with emergency situations, such as the following:
- Broken heating equipment in need of repair or replacement
- Heating equipment has shut off completely
- Lack of fuel
- Fuel supply will run out in less than 15 days
- Have received a termination notice from a utility service provider
LIHEAP will send this one-time payment directly to the utility service provider, and the qualifying families will be credited on their next bill.
Grants range between $200 to $1,000 depending on household size, income, and fuel type. Additionally, recipients do not have to worry about paying back the grant money.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
Applicants must only fall within the income limits per household size to qualify for the grant. For the 2020-2021 winter season, the income limits start at $19,140 per year for an individual and increase by $6,720 for each additional person in the household. View a full list of the income requirements here.
Applicants don’t have to be on public assistance or have any unpaid heating bills to receive help through LIHEAP. This grant is available to both renters and homeowners.
How Do I Apply?
Navigate to the LIHEAP page on the DHS website to begin your application. You may choose to complete an online application through the COMPASS app or download and print a paper copy, which you can deliver to your local county assistance office upon completion. The application is available in two languages: English and Spanish.
When Can I Expect a Response?
The DHS may take up to 30 days to review your case. You will receive a written letter in the mail once the request has been finalized.
Our team of esteemed Social Security disability lawyers in the Philadelphia area understands government assistance is now more important than ever, and we encourage families in need to complete this application as soon as possible!
