Heating Assistance Grants Increase by $100, Says Mensch

LIHEAP closing date extended from March 15 to April 2

Cash grants for Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) program will increase and the programs will be extended for the 2009-10 heating season, according to Senator Bob Mensch (R-Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton).

"Streamlining of the computer system has increased efficiency and reduced fraud and abuse enabling the state to increase cash grants by $100, with the average grant totaling $326," said Mensch. Cash grants are based on income, family size, the type of heating fuel and the region in which a person lives.

The state is also extending the LIHEAP closing date from March 15 to April 2. The state Department of Public Welfare expects to assist approximately 600,000 families with cash grants during the 2009-2010 program year.

Household sizes and income limits for LIHEAP's 2009-10 season are listed below.

1 -- $16,245
2 -- $21,855
3 -- $27,465
4 -- $33,075
5 -- $38,685
6 -- $44,295
7 -- $49,905
8 -- $55,515

(For each additional person add $5,610).

Additional information and applications for LIHEAP assistance are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) Web site at www.compasKs.state.pa.us. Applications are also available at county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Applicants may also call 1-866-857-7095.