June 19, 2024 Free Air Conditioners Available Through Utility Assistance Program Pennsylvania residents who receive federally funded weatherization assistance could be eligible to get free air conditioners or repairs this summer. The air conditioners are offered through the state’s use of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding. Learn More This is the third summer in which the state is using federal funding from LIHEAP to help residents cool their homes. The program offers eligible state residents two Energy Star-rated room air conditioner units, a unit and a fan, or replacement of an existing but broken central air conditioning system or heat pump. In 2023, Pennsylvania’s program provided more than 3,000 units, more than 300 fans, more than 500 repairs or replacements of air conditioning systems, and 15 repairs or replacements of heat pumps, according to the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development. This summer, a total $5.3 million is allocated for the program, which is estimated could serve about 2,400 households. The state’s program does not offer assistance for electricity bills, which is available in some other states. Signing Up The program will help those who received LIHEAP assistance in the past heating season or are currently receiving weatherization assistance. Those who received weatherization assistance or a LIHEAP crisis grant from a local weatherization agency may be contacted by that agency about the summer cooling program. Those who haven’t heard from an agency should contact their local weatherization agency. A list of those agencies is available online. There is no way to directly apply to the cooling assistance program. In previous years, participants have been required to present a letter confirming their receipt of LIHEAP or weatherization assistance. The program to provide window or A/C units and fans closes on Aug. 31.
June 12, 2024 New Look and Website Coming for COMPASS COMPASS, an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for health and human service programs, will debut a new look and website URL in mid-June. Learn More Beginning June 16, changes to the website will allow users to navigate it on a desktop computer or mobile device much easier than before. The new URL will be: www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/Compass.Web/Public/CMPHome. Pennsylvania residents use COMPASS to apply for a variety of health and human service programs. It also helps residents to manage benefits information. Through COMPASS, state residents can apply for Child Care Works (CCW), healthcare coverage, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), free or reduced-price school meals, and other services. Clients who have applications that they need to finish must complete them by June 14 or they will need to start the application process from the beginning once the new site debuts. While some existing navigational objects will be missing from the new provider search design, users will now be able to complete applications on their mobile devices.
April 26, 2023 PA DHS Extends LIHEAP Application Period The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PADHS) has extended the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application period. Previously set to close April 28, PADHS will now accept applications through May 12. Pennsylvanians who are behind on or having trouble paying home heating bills are encouraged to apply for LIHEAP benefits before the new deadline. About LIHEAP The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Eligibility Applicants must meet income requirements for 2022-2023. They are as follows: One-person household: $20,385 Two-person household: $27,465 Three-person household: $34,545 Four-person household: $41,625 Five-person household: $48,705 Six-person household: $55,785 Seven-person household: $62,865 Eight-person household: $69,945 Nine-person household: $77,025 Ten-person household: $84,105 For every additional person: Add $7,080 Applicants must have proof of income for each adult in the household, a copy of their most recent utility bill, and the social security number of each adult in the household (and child, if possible). Apply There are two ways to apply for LIHEAP: Online: Apply for benefits online using COMPASS, the online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for health and human service programs and manage benefit information. On paper: You can download a paper application, print it, fill it out, and return it to your local county assistance office. 2022-2023 LIHEAP Application — English 2022-2023 LIHEAP Application — Spanish After your application is reviewed, you will receive written notice explaining your eligibility and the amount of assistance you will receive. Please allow 30 days for a response. Learn More To learn more, visit the LIHEAP webpage on the PADHS website.
