Pennsylvanians looking for help to pay their home heating bills for the upcoming season will have to wait until December to apply for assistance.
The delay to Dec. 3 from Nov. 3 to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a result of the federal government shutdown, state Department of Human Services officials announced.
They said the department has not received its 2025-26 federal funds for LIHEAP.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by the state. Benefits are distributed directly to a household’s utility company or home heating fuel provider on behalf of qualified Pennsylvanians who need help paying their home heating bills during winter.
Renters and homeowners are eligible to apply for assistance. The one-time cash grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income and fuel type.
On average, officials said, Pennsylvania receives more than $215 million every year for LIHEAP. The state received $216 million in 2023 and $229 million in 2024. Pennsylvania cannot backfill these costs, they said.
“The LIHEAP Program helps more than 300,000 Pennsylvania families heat their homes during the colder months — and is especially critical for older adults and low-income families,” Dr. Val Arkoosh, Human Services secretary, said in the department’s announcement. “I urge Congress and the White House to recognize the serious consequences that limiting heating assistance will have on the health and safety of people in Pennsylvania. Congress must come together for a solution that protects people most at risk.”
The department plans to start accepting LIHEAP applications when the federal shutdown ends and the funding arrives.
Officials said the department will continue to process preseason applications it already has received for LIHEAP and other benefits. Payments are on hold until federal funding is released.
In addition to LIHEAP, many electric and gas companies offer utility assistance programs for qualified customers, officials said.
Pennsylvania’s annual winter utility shutoff moratorium runs from Dec. 1 through March 31 and prevents utilities — including electricity and gas-related services — from being shut off for customers of regulated utility companies at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The moratorium prevents utility shutoffs during the coldest months, it does not cancel a customer’s outstanding home heating bills, so LIHEAP funding is still necessary for individuals who need home heating assistance.
For immediate needs during the shutdown, Pennsylvanians can use go to pa-navigate.org/ to help find resources. Local help is also available by calling 211 or going to pa211.org.
