March 24, 2020. Pittsburgh, PA.
To assist consumers with economic need which may be created during the COVID19 pandemic, Peoples is reminding them that there is still time to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Applications are accepted until April 10, 2020, as long as funds remain available, so consumers should not delay. For the 2019-2020 winter heating season, the minimum LIHEAP grant is $200. The grant helps income-eligible utility customers with heating bills, whether they rent or own their home.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). The program provides a one-time grant, applied directly to a customer’s utility bill. Grants are also available for residents without heat or in danger of being without heat. The income eligibility limit for the 2019-2020 LIHEAP is 150% of the federal poverty income guidelines. This means individuals with an annual income of up to $18,735 are eligible to apply. A family of four can earn an annual income of up to $38.625.
Customers are encouraged to apply online through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Service website (COMPASS) at www.compass.state.pa.us. To apply, the customer must provide the following information:
- Names of all people in the household
- Birth dates for all people in the household
- Social Security numbers for all members of the household
- Proof of income for all members of the household
- A copy of a recent heating bill