Farnese: LIHEAP Opens Enrollment November 2

HARRISBURG, October 8, 2009 — The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will open enrollment for cash grants on November 2, according to state Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Phila.). The Crisis Grants Program will open enrollment on January 4, 2010.

“Many low-income households in Philadelphia rely on this critical program during harsh winter months,” Farnese said. “So I am pleased that more funding has been provided to help this program open early and potentially assist so many more families.”

LIHEAP provides cash grants to help low-income households pay for home heating fuel and crisis grants to address heating emergencies. While the Department of Public Welfare originally considered opening LIHEAP on Dec. 1, a recent increase in federal funding will allow it to open Nov. 2.

“We all are feeling the pinch of the current economic downturn, but our low-income families are on the front lines of this crisis,” Farnese said. “This home heating assistance will take at least one burden off their shoulders. I encourage all eligible families to apply as soon as possible.”

Cash grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Crisis grants are provided to resolve heating emergencies, such as furnace failures or unexpected fuel shortages. In addition to proof of income and household size, applicants must provide a recent bill or a statement from their fuel dealer verifying their customer status and the type of fuel they use.

After the program opens for the season, applications will be available at county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Applications for LIHEAP cash grants will also be available online at www.compass.state.pa.us.

In Philadelphia, families may pick up LIHEAP applications at Senator Farnese’s District office, located at 1802 S. Broad Street, South Philadelphia, or call: 215-952-3121, 9am - 5pm, weekdays.

The LIHEAP hotline is: 1-866-857-7095, available Monday through Friday (individuals with hearing impairments may call the TDD number at 1-800-451-5886).

Household sizes and income limits for LIHEAP’s 2009-10 season are:

• 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)

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