Pennsylvania receives additional funding for home heating program

By The Patriot-News

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania will receive an additional $52.3 million in federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to aid those struggling to pay home heating bills, the Department of Public Welfare said.

The federally-funded program provides cash grants to eligible low-income households to help pay for home heating fuel. It also provides crisis grants to address heating emergencies such as furnace failures or unexpected fuel shortages.

The additional $52.3 million brings the state’s total to $209.5 million for the current season, which began last Nov. 1.

Since then, the program has helped 269,777 households pay heating bills. More than 54,412 households have received crisis grants.

The minimum cash benefit recipients may receive is now $100, and the maximum crisis grant amount is $300.

To apply for the program visit www.compass.state.pa.us or apply in-person at county assistance offices.