Winter is approaching and temperatures are beginning to drop. Pennsylvanians who live in or close to poverty, especially those who are elderly or disabled, can find it hard to keep up on their heating bills during a time of increased demand for energy. When they cannot pay for heat, they run risks to their health and well-being and even their lives. During the cold, winter months the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps Pennsylvania families and individuals in need to keep their homes warm.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that consists mainly of grants paid directly to the utility company on behalf of the family or individual in need. Crisis grants are also available to families in immediate danger of living without heat.

LIHEAP opens for applications on November 3, 2014 and closes on April 3, 2015. Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP benefits online, by downloading forms, or in person.  Questions? Call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095.

The Department of Public Welfare offers other tips for lowering heating costs and staying warm this winter.

Please help spread the word about LIHEAP.