Pennsylvania LIHEAP opens November 1, 2024, and closes May 31, 2025
Pennsylvania's Low Income Home Energy information Program (LIHEAP) for the 2024–2025 heating season runs from November 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025. You can submit your information during this window. The program pays toward your heating bills if your household income falls below the state's limit, which changes each year based on family size.
The exact date your local county office begins taking applications may vary slightly — some offices open on November 1, while others may open a few days before or after. Calling your county information office in early November is the fastest way to confirm the exact start date in your area and learn whether they are accepting applications by phone, mail, or in person.
Key Takeaways
- The statewide LIHEAP season runs November 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025, but your county office may open a few days before or after that date.
- You must submit your information during the open season; applications are not taken outside this window.
- Your county information office handles LIHEAP, not a state office, so you contact them directly to learn their exact opening date and how they accept applications.
- Income limits vary by household size and are set by the state each year, so you should have recent pay stubs or tax documents ready when you contact your county office.
How to find your county LIHEAP office
Pennsylvania has 67 county information offices, each running LIHEAP for its own county. You contact the office in the county where you live. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services maintains a directory of all county offices on its website, searchable by county name.
Once you find your county office's phone number, call in early November to confirm they are open and to ask whether they are taking applications by phone, mail, or in-person appointment. Some offices prefer one method over another, and knowing this before you call back with your information saves time.
What documents to gather before you call
Have these items ready before you contact your county office. You will need proof of your household income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of your heating costs (a recent utility bill showing your account number and current balance), and proof of your address (a lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill). If you receive benefits like Social Security or unemployment, bring documentation of those as well.
You will also need to know your Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of everyone in your household. If you are renting, have your landlord's name and address ready. If you own your home, have your mortgage lender's information available. The more documents you have on hand when you call, the faster the process moves.
Income limits for the 2024–2025 season
LIHEAP income limits are set by household size and change each year. Pennsylvania's limits for 2024–2025 have been set by the state, but the exact dollar amounts vary. Your county office can tell you the limit for your household size when you call. Generally, a single person's income must be below a certain threshold, and the limit increases for each additional household member.
If your household income is at or below the limit, you may be considered. If you are above the limit, you will not be considered for that season. Some households just above the limit may still be worth calling about, because some counties have small emergency funds or carryover money that operates under slightly different rules — your county office can tell you whether that applies to you.
What happens after you submit your information
After you submit your process, your county office reviews your documents and income. This review typically takes two to four weeks. The office will contact you by phone or mail to let you know whether you are approved and, if so, how much information you will receive. Approved households receive a one-time payment during the heating season, usually sent directly to the utility company.
If you are approved, the payment goes to your heating vendor (your gas or electric company, or your oil supplier if you heat with oil). You do not receive the money yourself. If you are denied, the office will tell you why and may explain whether you can reapply later in the season if your circumstances change.
What to do if your county office is hard to reach
Some county offices have high call volume in November and early December. If you cannot reach your office by phone, try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when lines are often shorter. You can also visit the office in person during business hours or send your documents by mail if the office accepts applications that way.
If you need help finding your county office or understanding the process, you can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services directly. They can direct you to your county office and answer general questions about the program, though they cannot process applications themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore after May 31, 2025?
No. LIHEAP applications are only taken from November 1 through May 31 each year. If you miss this window, you cannot explore until the next season opens in November. If you are in crisis before the season opens, contact your county office or local community action agency to ask about emergency utility information programs that may operate year-round.
What if I miss the November opening date?
You can still explore anytime between November 1 and May 31. There is no penalty for explore in December, January, or later. However, funds are limited, and some counties run out of money before the season ends. explore earlier increases your chances of receiving information, but you are not locked out if you explore later.
Do I have to reapply every year?
Yes. LIHEAP is a seasonal program, and you must submit a new process each heating season (November through May). You cannot carry over an approval from one year to the next. When the new season opens in November, contact your county office again with your updated income and household information.
What if my income is slightly above the limit?
You will not be approved under the standard LIHEAP rules. However, some counties have emergency funds or other utility information programs with different income limits. Call your county office and ask whether any other programs might help you. They can tell you what options exist in your area.
Can I explore online?
LIHEAP is administered by county offices, and each county handles applications differently. Some may accept applications online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Call your county office in early November to ask which methods they use. Do not assume online is available — confirm with your county first.