PA LIHEAP: How to Apply for Heating Help

Key facts

1Who may qualify for PA LIHEAP?

Pennsylvania LIHEAP income limits for 2026 to 2027. For every additional person, add $8,520. Source: PA DHS LIHEAP page. Verified November 5, 2026.

Households may qualify when income is at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit. For the 2026 to 2027 season, that is a gross income of $23,940 a year for one person and $49,500 a year for a household of four (official limits). (PA DHS, season announcement) (PA DHS, LIHEAP)

PA DHS also says you do not have to be on public assistance, you do not need unpaid heating bills, and you can rent or own your home. (PA DHS, LIHEAP) You can apply again each season even if you were approved or denied before. (PA DHS, season announcement)

2How much is a PA LIHEAP cash grant?

Cash grants range from an estimated $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. (PA DHS, LIHEAP) The minimum cash grant is an estimated $200 and the maximum is an estimated $1,000. Households may receive one cash grant per LIHEAP season. (PA DHS, season announcement) PA DHS says the cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility or fuel provider and credited on your bill, and the grant does not have to be repaid. (PA DHS, LIHEAP) (PA DHS, Apply for LIHEAP) You must apply every year. (PA DHS, Apply for LIHEAP)

For context only, during the 2025-26 season PA DHS reported 278,910 households received LIHEAP cash benefits at an average season benefit of an estimated $289. (PA DHS, season announcement) Your own amount is set by PA DHS for this season. Treat any figure you hear before a decision as an estimate.

3What is a LIHEAP crisis grant?

Households in a heating emergency may qualify for a crisis grant on top of, or instead of waiting on, the regular cash grant. PA DHS lists these emergency situations: (PA DHS, LIHEAP)

• Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
• Lack of fuel
• The main heating source or a second heating source has been completely shut off
• The danger of being without fuel (less than a 15-day supply)
• The danger of having utility service terminated (a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days)

The minimum crisis grant is an estimated $25 and the maximum is an estimated $1,000. Households may apply for more than one crisis grant in a season, up to that maximum, if they face more than one emergency. (PA DHS, season announcement)

If you have not received a standard LIHEAP benefit this year, you must apply for the program to be considered for a crisis grant. If you already received a LIHEAP benefit this season, contact your local County Assistance Office to report the heating emergency. (PA DHS, LIHEAP)

During the 2025-26 season, about 121,329 households received LIHEAP crisis benefits at an average payment of an estimated $566. (PA DHS, season announcement)

4How do I apply for PA LIHEAP?

There are two official paths: (PA DHS, LIHEAP)

1. Online: apply on COMPASS at compass.dhs.pa.gov (also linked from dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS).
2. On paper: download the 2026-2027 LIHEAP application from the PA DHS LIHEAP page, fill it out, and return it to your local County Assistance Office. Paper forms are also posted in Spanish and several other languages on that page.

You can also request a paper application by calling the LIHEAP Helpline at 1-866-857-7095. (PA DHS, season announcement) PA DHS says Pennsylvanians do not need to know their own eligibility to apply. (PA DHS, season announcement)

After you apply, track status at trackmybenefits.pa.gov. That tool covers LIHEAP, Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF applications. (PA DHS, LIHEAP)

5Winter shutoff moratorium

Pennsylvania's annual winter utility shutoff moratorium runs from December 1 through March 31. It prevents regulated electric and gas utilities from terminating service to households at or below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. During the moratorium, public water utilities regulated by the PUC are also prevented from terminating water service to households that use water to heat their homes. The moratorium does not cancel outstanding heating bills. (PA DHS, season announcement)

6Utility assistance programs

Many utility companies offer reduced monthly bills, debt forgiveness, and other energy help. When you apply for LIHEAP, you can choose to share your application information with your utility so they can help you enroll in those programs. Details are on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission site, linked from the PA DHS season announcement. (PA DHS, season announcement)

7How long does PA LIHEAP assistance last?

PA LIHEAP is seasonal, not a monthly bill credit that renews on its own. The 2026 to 2027 application season runs November 2, 2026 through April 23, 2027. (PA DHS, LIHEAP) The cash grant is a one-time payment for that season. (PA DHS, LIHEAP) (PA DHS, Apply for LIHEAP) Crisis grants are separate emergency help. Households may receive more than one crisis grant in a season, up to the estimated $1,000 crisis maximum, if they face more than one emergency. (PA DHS, season announcement) You must reapply every year for a new season. (PA DHS, Apply for LIHEAP)

8How to get help with rent in Pennsylvania

LIHEAP is for heating bills, not rent. For rent help, PA DHS points people to the Homeless Assistance Program (HAP). If you are in danger of eviction, your county HAP provider may be able to help with payments for rent, mortgage, security deposits, and utilities. (PA DHS, Apply for the Homeless Assistance Program) During a consecutive 24-month period, HAP rental assistance may be up to an estimated maximum of $1,000 for adult-only households or $1,500 for families or households with children. (PA DHS, Apply for the Homeless Assistance Program) Income eligibility for HAP is set by each county between 100 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. (PA DHS, Apply for the Homeless Assistance Program) Call the HAP contact for your county to request help. (PA DHS, Homeless Assistance Contacts)

Pennsylvania's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is closed effective October 1, 2025. (PA DHS, Emergency Rental Assistance Program) Separate from HAP, an Emergency Shelter Allowance (ESA) through your County Assistance Office may help stop an eviction or similar housing crisis, with a payment of up to an estimated $400, and only during one consecutive 30-day period every 12 months when you meet the rules. (PA DHS, Apply for the Emergency Shelter Allowance)

Frequently asked questions