The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will begin accepting applications on November 7, 2005, according to state Sen. Michael Stack.

“The message is that help is out there for families who might have trouble paying hundreds of dollars more this year to heat their homes,” said Stack (D-Philadelphia). “LIHEAP is available, and the utility companies also provide assistance programs.”

LIHEAP provides the following types of assistance:

• Cash grants;

• Crisis grants for families dealing with broken heating equipment, leaking lines, a fuel shortage, or the threat of utility service termination;

• Weatherization help.

Both homeowners and renters are eligible for help through LIHEAP. Households with an income that is less than 150 percent of the federal poverty income guideline can receive cash and/or crisis grants. For a family of four, the household income cutoff is $29,025.

To apply for LIHEAP, individuals may call the Philadelphia LIHEAP hotline at (215) 560-2970 or visit a Philadelphia County

Assistance Office. Those with Internet access may apply electronically via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) Web site at www.compass.state.pa.us.

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, and

• Recent heating bill.
   

  2005-2006 LIHEAP	Income Guidelines
  Household Size	Cash/Crisis Program Income Limits 135% FPIGs
  1	$14,355
  2	$19,245
  3	$24,135
  4	$29,025
  5	$33,915
  6	$38,805
  7	$43,695
  8	$48,585
  9	$53,475
  10	$58,365
  11	$63,255
  12	$68,145
  Each additional person add:	$4,890