The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households with low income with their energy bills and costs. In this article, read and find out how to qualify for LIHEAP!
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is intended to help households who earn low incomes to pay their energy bills and costs through cash grants. A cash grant is a one-time payment directly forwarded to the utility company or fuel provider to be accounted on the recipient’s bill. Unlike loans, cash grants do not have to be repaid. These cash grants are worth $300 to $1,000 depending on the size of a recipient’s household, their income, and fuel type.According to an article on the Department of Human Services, there are two ways to apply for LIHEAP. Through online, the applicants can use COMPASS. COMPASS is an online tool for the residents of Pennsylvania to use in applying for health and human service programs. On the other hand, applications may also be made on paper. Application forms can be downloaded, printed, filled out, and submitted to a local county’s assistance office. Once the application is under review, the applicant will receive a written notice stating whether they are eligible and how much cash grant they will receive.
READ ALSO: Itemized Deductions: Definition And Impact On Taxes
Who is eligible for LIHEAP?
An article on Benefits.gov states that to be eligible for LIHEAP, an applicant must meet income requirements. The income requirements for a household with one person is $20,385, $27,465 for 2, $34,545 for 3, $41,625 for 4, and $48,705 for 5. For a household with six members, the income requirement is $55,785, $62,865 for 7, $69,945 for 8, $77,025 for 9, and $84,105 for 10. For any additional member, $7,080 must be added. On the contrary, the applicant does not have to be on public assistance. They also do not need to have overdue heating bills. Lastly, an applicant can rent or own a home.
READ ALSO: Man Charged With Murder Of Victim He Had History Of Stalking In Oregon