Gov. Wolf Thursday announced the Department of Human Services has received approximately $185.5 million in federal funding for the 2016-17 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season.

During the 2015-16 LIHEAP season, 345,791 households statewide received $156.3 million in assistance. These households received an average of $452.

This season marks the Commonwealth’s 35th anniversary participating in the program.

The LIHEAP cash and crisis program opens November 1 and is scheduled to close March 31, 2017.

“Making sure all Pennsylvanians are safe and healthy is my top priority,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “It is essential that we ensure that every Pennsylvanian has a warm home and I encourage anyone who needs this assistance to apply through COMPASS or at their local county assistance offices.”

LIHEAP provides assistance for home heating bills to keep low-income Pennsylvanians warm and safe during the winter months. The program is available to both renters and homeowners.

The support comes in the form of a grant, so the individual does not have to repay assistance, and goes directly to their utility company or home heating fuel provider.

“This federally funded program provided hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians a warm place to live during last winter,” said Secretary Dallas. “That numbers includes thousands of the commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens including elderly, children and individuals living with a disability. The administration is proud of the work the program provides and encourages recipients who need assistance with heating bills to apply before the worst of the winter weather arrives.”

Individuals can apply for LIHEAP by using COMPASS the online benefits website, by visiting your local county assistance office or call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095 Monday through Friday (individuals with hearing impairments may call the TDD number at 1-800-451-5886).

Additional information about weatherizing your residence and other assistance that may be available can be obtained by visiting DHS’ Low-Income Home Energy Assistance.

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10/31/2016