Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services opened the 2026-27 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season on Monday, November 2, 2026. The season runs through Friday, April 23, 2027. (pa.gov)

LIHEAP cash grants help households with lower incomes pay their heating bills. The grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company or fuel provider and credited on the bill. For 2026-27, cash grants range from $200 to $1,000 depending on region, household income, heating type, and the number of people in the home. It is a grant, not a loan, so it does not have to be repaid.

Who can apply

You must meet the income guidelines, but you do not have to be on public assistance, you do not need an unpaid heating bill, and you can rent or own your home. The 2026-27 income limits published by the state start at $23,940 for a one-person household, $32,460 for two, $40,980 for three, and $49,500 for four. For each additional person beyond ten, add $8,520. Check the full table on the state LIHEAP page.

Crisis grants when heat is at risk

Households facing a heating emergency may qualify for a separate LIHEAP Crisis grant, from $25 up to a season maximum of $1,000. According to the state, emergencies include broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced, lack of fuel, a main or secondary heating source that has been completely shut off, less than a 15-day fuel supply, or a notice that utility service will be shut off within the next 60 days. Crisis requests must be made to your County Assistance Office.

How to apply

  • Online through COMPASS.
  • On paper, by returning the 2026-27 application to your local County Assistance Office.
  • By phone through the LIHEAP Client Helpline at 1-866-857-7095.

A practical winter tip

Assistance helps with the bill, but heat that leaks out through drafty windows and doors still costs money. Before the coldest weeks, it is worth checking weatherstripping, door sweeps, and gaps around window trim.

Sources:

Related service: windows and trim.

Questions about this topic

When can I apply for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania this season?

The 2026-27 season opened on Monday, November 2, 2026, and runs through Friday, April 23, 2027. You must apply again each season, even if you received a grant last year.

How much is the LIHEAP cash grant?

Cash grants range from $200 to $1,000, based on your region, household income, heating type, and household size. The grant is paid directly to your utility or fuel company and does not have to be repaid.

What if my heat is about to be shut off or my heater breaks?

You may qualify for a LIHEAP Crisis grant of $25 up to a season maximum of $1,000. Emergencies include broken heating equipment or leaking lines, lack of fuel, less than a 15-day fuel supply, or a shutoff notice. Crisis requests go through your County Assistance Office.

Do I need to own my home or be on public assistance?

No. Renters and homeowners can both apply, you do not need to be on public assistance, and you do not need an unpaid heating bill. You must meet the income guidelines.

How do I apply?

Apply online through COMPASS, return a paper application to your local County Assistance Office, or call the LIHEAP Client Helpline at 1-866-857-7095.