What Health and Human Services should I apply for?
What Health and Human Services should I apply for?
You should apply for every benefit that you think you may need.
When your application arrives the County Assistance Office will look at your income and tell you what Health and Human Services you can receive.
If I receive LIHEAP, will a lien be place on my home?
No lien is required to receive LIHEAP benefits.
How many times can I receive LIHEAP benefits during the year?
You can only receive one LIHEAP Cash benefit during a heating season. You can receive LIHEAP Crisis component benefits not to exceed the maximum limit set by the Department of Human Services for the heating season.
How can I get help repairing my furnace?
As part of the LIHEAP program, funds are set aside for home heating repairs. Please contact your local County Assistance Office. If you are eligible for Crisis benefits, a referral will be sent to the weatherization agency on your behalf.
What do I do if I run out of fuel and have no money to pay for it?
You should contact the local County Assistance Office or crisis contractor in your area. You can find a list of phone numbers online at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/CAO-Contact.aspx. They will determine if you are eligible for a crisis benefit and arrange for a fuel delivery.
What do I do if I receive a shut off notice from my gas or electric company?
You should contact the local County Assistance Office or crisis contractor in your area. You can find a list of phone numbers online at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/CAO-Contact.aspx. They will determine if you are eligible for a Crisis benefit to pay for having the shut off notice canceled or have service restored.
Are my bank accounts and other savings considered in determining if I am eligible for LIHEAP?
Resources such as bank accounts are not considered for LIHEAP.
How are the rules for LIHEAP determined?
LIHEAP rules are based on federal regulations and can be found in the LIHEAP State Plan. A copy of the plan can be found online at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/CAO-Contact.aspx. The Department also receives input from the LIHEAP advisory committee and public hearings to determine rules and regulations.
How is my LIHEAP benefit determined?
First, the LIHEAP system compares your gross income and household size to the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. If your income is equal to or below the guidelines, you could be eligible for a LIHEAP benefit. The amount of the benefit is determined based on income, the area where you live, type of fuel used, and the household size. For crisis benefits, eligibility is also based on gross income compared to the guidelines. The benefit amount is based on the amount it would take to alleviate the crisis situation, up to the maximum crisis benefit amount for the heating season.
