Where to Start Your LIHEAP process in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, you explore for LIHEAP through your county information office, not through a state hotline or website. Each county runs its own intake, so the office you contact depends on where you live. You can find your county office by calling 1-800-692-7462 (the statewide LIHEAP hotline) or by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website and searching for your county's office address and phone number.

Most counties accept applications by phone, mail, or in person. Some offices have specific days or hours for LIHEAP intake, so call ahead before you go. The statewide hotline can also tell you whether your county's fund is currently open — LIHEAP runs on a first-come, first-served basis, and when a county runs out of money, it closes to new applications until the next funding cycle.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through your county information office, not the state, and the office location and hours vary by county.
  • You will need proof of income for everyone in your household, a utility bill in your name, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • LIHEAP covers heating or cooling costs depending on the season, and the amount you receive depends on your income and household size.
  • Processing typically takes two to four weeks after you submit a complete process, though timing varies by county.
  • If your county's fund is closed, you can ask when it reopens or contact a community action agency for other heating information options.

Documents You Need to Bring or Mail

Bring or send proof of income for every person in your household who earns money. This can be recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer, tax returns, Social Security statements, unemployment benefit letters, or child support documentation. If someone is retired or receives a pension, bring a recent statement showing the monthly amount.

You also need a current utility bill in your name — electric, gas, or both, depending on what you heat or cool your home with. The bill should show your account number and current balance. Bring proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, birth certificate, or tax return) and proof of your address if the utility bill is not in your name.

If you rent, bring a signed lease or a letter from your landlord confirming you live there and stating whether utilities are included in your rent. If you own your home, bring a mortgage statement or property tax bill. Bring identification — a driver's license, state ID, or passport.

What Happens During the process Process

When you call or visit your county office, a caseworker will ask about your household size, income, and heating or cooling situation. They will tell you whether you likely meet the income limits (which vary by household size and change yearly) and what documents to bring or mail. If you explore by phone, they will mail you an process form to sign and return, or you may be able to sign it electronically.

After you submit your process with all required documents, the county office reviews it to confirm your income and household composition. This review usually takes two to four weeks, though some counties are faster and some slower. The office will contact you if they need more information or clarification on any document.

Once approved, LIHEAP pays your utility company directly — you do not receive a check. The payment goes to the company that provides your heat or cooling. If you are behind on your bills, LIHEAP can pay arrears (what you already owe) as well as current charges, up to the program's limit for your county.

Income Limits and How Much You Might Receive

Pennsylvania's LIHEAP income limits depend on your household size and change each year. A single person's limit is higher than a family of four's limit. The program uses your gross household income (before taxes) to determine whether you may have access to. If your income is at or below the limit, you are within the range the program considers.

The amount you receive depends on your income, household size, and the cost of heating or cooling in your area. LIHEAP does not give every household the same amount. A household with very low income may receive more than a household closer to the income limit. The program also considers how much you already owe on your utility bill — if you have a large arrearage, more of your benefit may go toward paying that down.

Your county office can tell you the current income limits and give you an estimate of what you might receive based on your situation. Because limits and benefit amounts change yearly, ask for the current year's figures when you call.

What to Do If Your County's Fund Is Closed

LIHEAP funds run out during the heating season (November through March) or cooling season (June through September), depending on demand and how much money the state allocated that year. If your county's fund is closed when you call, ask the office when it typically reopens. Many counties reopen in the next funding cycle, which usually begins in the fall for heating information.

While you wait, contact a community action agency in your county. These agencies run their own heating and cooling information programs, sometimes with money from LIHEAP and sometimes from other sources. They may have funds available when the county office does not. You can find your local community action agency by calling 2-1-1 (a free referral line) or by searching online for "[your county] community action agency."

Heating Season Versus Cooling Season Applications

Pennsylvania's LIHEAP program has two separate seasons. The heating season runs from November through March and helps with natural gas, oil, propane, or electric heating costs. The cooling season runs from June through September and helps with air conditioning or other cooling costs. You can explore during either season, but you can only receive benefits for the season during which you explore.

If you explore in July for cooling help, you will not receive heating help the following winter — you would need to explore again in November. Some households explore twice per year, once for heating and once for cooling. Ask your county office whether you can explore for both seasons in a single year or whether you must explore separately.

What Happens After You Are Approved

After approval, your utility company receives payment directly from LIHEAP. You will receive a letter from your county office confirming the amount and which utility company was paid. Keep this letter for your records. The payment typically reaches your utility company within one to two weeks of approval.

If you have questions about whether the payment was received or how it was applied to your account, contact your utility company directly. They can tell you whether the LIHEAP payment arrived and how much of your bill it covered. If you still owe money after the LIHEAP payment, you are responsible for paying the remainder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for LIHEAP if I am behind on my utility bills?

Yes. LIHEAP can pay both current charges and arrears (money you already owe). In fact, if you are behind, the program may prioritize paying down what you owe before covering future bills. Bring documentation of your arrearage, such as a bill marked "past due" or a notice from your utility company.

What if my utility bill is in my landlord's name, not mine?

You will need a letter from your landlord stating that you are responsible for paying the utility bill, or a lease showing utilities are not included in your rent. Some counties may also accept a bill showing you as an authorized user. Call your county office to ask what documentation they accept in your situation.

Can I explore if I live in a mobile home or apartment?

Yes, as long as you have a utility bill or proof that you pay for heat or cooling. If your rent includes utilities, you may not be able to receive LIHEAP, because the program assumes your landlord is covering those costs. Ask your county office whether you can still explore if utilities are included.

How long does it take to get the money after I am approved?

Processing takes two to four weeks after you submit a complete process, though some counties are faster. After approval, the payment to your utility company typically arrives within one to two weeks. In total, you should expect four to six weeks from the time you explore to when your utility company receives the payment.

What if I do not have all the documents the office asks for?

Call your county office and explain what you do not have. They may accept alternative documents — for example, a bank statement instead of a pay stub, or a letter from a neighbor confirming your address if you do not have a utility bill. Do not wait to explore; submit what you have and ask what else they need.