Senate News Update
From Senator Jane Earll
November 5, 2009
Home Energy Assistance Changes
If you are having trouble paying your home heating bills,
applications are being accepted for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
(LIHEAP) program. There is, however, a change from last year.
The program – administered by the state but funded by the federal government
-- is expected to see a 17 percent decrease in federal funding from last year's
$330 million to about $275 million. Fewer funds mean new income-eligibility
requirements, making it difficult for some to qualify even if they did in years
past.
For instance, last year a family of four with earnings up to $44,443
qualified for assistance. Under the new guidelines, such a family could qualify
only if earnings were no more than $33,075. Cash grants are based on income,
family size, type of heating fuel and region.
Household sizes and income limits for LIHEAP's 2009-10 season are as follows:
1 -- $16,245
2 -- $21,855
3 -- $27,465
4 -- $33,075
5 -- $38,685
6 -- $44,295
7 -- $49,905
8 -- $55,515
(For each additional person add $5,610).
Applications for a separate program -- LIHEAP's crisis grant program – will
be accepted beginning January 4, 2010. It assists families experiencing heating
emergencies -- such as a broken furnace, fuel shortage or utility termination.
During the 2008-09 LIHEAP season, approximately 547,000 families were helped
through cash grants and more than 202,000 families received crisis assistance.
To apply for LIHEAP, individuals contact the Erie Count Assistance Office at
814-461-2002.
Individuals with Internet access may also apply electronically via the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) Web site at
www.compass.state.pa.us.
LIHEAP applicants will be required to submit the following information:
- Names of people in household.
- Social Security numbers for all household members.
- Proof of income for all household members.
- Recent heating bill.
Many utilities offer assistance plans in addition to LIHEAP. National Fuel
Gas customers who meet the eligibility requirements can receive discounts or
debt forgiveness. Call 1-800-365-3234 for more information. Penelec customers
who need help can check out the Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation
Services Program (CARES) at 1-800-207-9276. Also, if you are a victim of
domestic violence, you may have some special credit and collection protections
available to you.
A family can do without many things, but not home heating. There is help out
there – maybe not as much as last year, but there is help. Please look into
this assistance if you need help, or pass it along to someone you know.
CONTACT: Senator Earll's office, (814) 453-2515 or
jearll@pasen.gov
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