Where to Start: Contact Your County Office

To apply for Pennsylvania's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), you contact your county assistance office directly. Pennsylvania runs LIHEAP through its Department of Human Services, but the actual intake happens at the county level — the same office that handles food assistance and cash benefits. You cannot apply online or through a central state phone line; you must reach out to your specific county.

Find your county office by searching "Pennsylvania county assistance office" plus your county name, or call 211 Pennsylvania (dial 211 from any phone). The 211 service will give you the phone number, address, and current hours for your county's office. Some counties accept applications by phone, some require an in-person visit, and some use a combination. Call first to ask what method they use and whether they are currently accepting new applications — LIHEAP funding runs out each year, and when it does, the office stops taking new cases until the next funding cycle begins.

Key Takeaways

  • You apply through your county assistance office, not through a state hotline or website, and the office must tell you whether the fund is currently open.
  • Pennsylvania LIHEAP covers heating costs (October through March) and cooling costs (June through September), but not both in the same year.
  • You need proof of income for the past 30 days, a utility bill in your name, and proof of residency to complete the application.
  • The income limit for a single person is roughly $1,500 per month, but this varies by household size and changes yearly — your county office will confirm whether you fall within the limit.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks after you submit a complete application, and the program pays your utility company directly, not you.

Income Limits and Household Size

LIHEAP has an income ceiling that depends on your household size. Pennsylvania updates these limits each year, usually in October. For the 2024–2025 heating season, a single person earning roughly $1,500 per month or less may be within the limit; a family of four earning roughly $3,100 per month or less may be within the limit. These are approximate figures — your county office has the exact current limits and will tell you whether your household income qualifies.

Income includes wages, Social Security, unemployment, child support, and any other money coming into the household. Self-employment income counts as well. When you apply, bring pay stubs from the past 30 days, or a letter from Social Security, or whatever document shows your current income. If your income is zero or very low, bring documentation of that too — the program serves households with no income.

Documents You Need to Bring or Submit

Pennsylvania's LIHEAP application requires specific paperwork. Have these ready before you contact your county office:

  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stub, Social Security letter, unemployment statement, or zero-income letter from your employer)
  • A utility bill in your name showing your current address and account number
  • Proof of residency in Pennsylvania (a lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill)
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, green card, or state ID)
  • Social Security numbers for all household members

If you rent and your landlord pays the utilities, you will need a letter from the landlord stating that fact, plus proof that you pay rent. If you are behind on your utility bill or have received a shutoff notice, bring that notice — it does not disqualify you, but it may move your case up in the queue.

Heating Season Versus Cooling Season

Pennsylvania LIHEAP operates in two separate seasons. The heating season runs from October through March and covers natural gas, oil, propane, and wood or coal heating. The cooling season runs from June through September and covers air conditioning and electric cooling. You can receive assistance in one season per program year, but not both.

Most households apply during heating season because winter heating bills are higher. If you apply during heating season and are approved, you receive one payment to your heating supplier. If you apply during cooling season, the payment goes to your electric company. The amount varies based on your income, household size, and the cost of utilities in your area — there is no fixed dollar amount. Your county office will tell you the estimated payment amount after you apply.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application

Once your county office receives your complete application, processing typically takes two to four weeks. During that time, the office verifies your income, residency, and utility account. You may receive a phone call asking for additional information or clarification. Keep your phone available and answer calls from your county office.

If you are approved, the program sends the payment directly to your utility company. You will not receive a check. The utility company applies the payment to your account, reducing what you owe. If you have a shutoff notice, tell your county office the date of the shutoff hearing — some counties can contact the utility company or court to request a delay while your application is being processed.

If you are denied, your county office will send you a written notice explaining why. The notice includes information about how to request a hearing if you disagree with the decision. You have a limited time to request a hearing, so read the notice carefully.

When the Fund Runs Out of Money

Pennsylvania LIHEAP funding is limited. Each year, the state receives a set amount of federal money, and when that money is spent, the county office stops accepting new applications. This usually happens sometime between December and February during heating season, depending on how many households apply and how much each payment costs.

If the fund closes before you apply, call your county office in late spring or early summer to ask when applications will reopen for the next heating season. Some counties maintain a waiting list; others do not. The 211 service can also tell you whether your county's fund is currently open. Do not wait until October to apply — apply as soon as you know you need help, because the fund may close before the end of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am behind on my utility bill?

Yes. Being behind does not disqualify you. In fact, if you have received a shutoff notice, tell your county office the date of the shutoff hearing. Some counties can request a delay from the utility company while your application is being processed. Bring the shutoff notice with you when you apply.

What if I live with family and we share utilities?

If the utility bill is in your name, you can apply. If the bill is in someone else's name, that person must apply, or you need a letter from them authorizing you to apply on their behalf. Ask your county office what documentation they need in your specific situation.

Do I have to pay back the money LIHEAP gives me?

No. LIHEAP is not a loan. The money is a one-time payment to your utility company, and you do not repay it. However, you can only receive LIHEAP once per heating season and once per cooling season.

What if my income is too high?

If your income exceeds the limit for your household size, you do not meet LIHEAP's requirements. However, your utility company may have its own assistance programs, or your county may have other energy assistance funds. Ask your county office what other options exist.

How long does it take to get the money?

Processing takes two to four weeks after you submit a complete application. The payment goes directly to your utility company, not to you. If you have a shutoff hearing scheduled, tell your county office the date so they can try to request a delay while your application is being reviewed.