Senate News Update
From Senator Jane Earll
January 8, 2010

LIHEAP Program Expanded/Extended!

Recipients of Low Income Home Energy Assistance received some very welcome news just as the new year opened.  Federal dollars support this program, but the Commonwealth has to manage and administer the funds.  Efficiency and careful budgeting have resulted in an extension of the timeframe and an increase in benefits.  A new computer system used to determine eligibility also reduced the opportunity for fraud or abuse. 

The 2009-2010 LIHEAP program delayed its start until December 2, 2009 (about a month later than usual).  However, even eligible households of one person with an annual income of $16,245 would have received only $100 for the entire winter heating season under the original plan. 

The Department of Public Welfare has reassessed its LIHEAP budget and has determined that cash grants will be increased by an average of $100.  With the increase, the average cash grant will now reach $326.  In addition, if the federal government releases additional contingency funding, households with special circumstances (residents over age 60, children under age five and under, or persons with disabilities) could receive even more supplemental funding.  We are planning for swift and efficient distribution of any extra funds, such as the US government has provided in the past.

Meanwhile, the other good news is that the LIHEAP program has been extended from its original end date of March 15, 2010 to April 2, 2010.  Crisis funding, for heating emergencies like a furnace failure or unanticipated shortage of fuel, began on January 4, 2010, and will also continue through April 2, 2010.

The changes will help approximately 80,000 households statewide, and many in Erie County, stay warmer this winter. 

To apply, contact the County Assistance Office at 814-461-2000 or apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us.