Pennsylvania LIHEAP helps low-income households pay winter heating bills through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), administered through County Assistance Offices (CAOs) in every Pennsylvania county. Pennsylvania offers two types of LIHEAP grants — a one-time Cash Grant and a Crisis Grant — both applied for through the same COMPASS online portal at dhs.pa.gov.
Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP structure has two distinctive features: multiple crisis grants are available in a single season (one per qualifying emergency), and major gas and electric utilities are required to offer Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs) to low-income customers regardless of LIHEAP status.
Pennsylvania’s Two LIHEAP Grant Types
Cash Grant — Annual Heating Assistance
A one-time annual payment toward the primary home heating source (natural gas, electricity, fuel oil, propane, kerosene, wood, and other fuels), applied directly to the utility or fuel company account. Benefit range: $200 minimum to $1,000 maximum. The amount varies by household size, income level, geographic region of Pennsylvania, and heating fuel type. A household receives one Cash Grant per heating season.
Pre-season for prior recipients: If you received LIHEAP benefits in the previous season, you will receive a notice to apply early during LIHEAP pre-season — typically in November before the standard December opening. Pre-season applicants can apply before the general public window opens.
Crisis Grant — Multiple Per Season
Crisis grants address heating emergencies. Benefit range: $25 minimum to $1,000 maximum per crisis event. A household may apply for multiple crisis grants in a single season — one grant per qualifying emergency — up to the $1,000 seasonal maximum.
Qualifying crisis situations:
- Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
- The shutoff of the main heating source (or secondary heating source used to operate the main source)
- Danger of being without fuel — less than a 15-day supply of deliverable fuel (oil, propane, wood, etc.)
- Termination of heating utility service
Processing times:
- Standard crisis: eligible applicants receive benefits within 10 business days of applying
- Life-threatening crisis: expedited — processed sooner than 10 business days
If you have already received a Cash Grant this season and have a new emergency: Contact your local County Assistance Office directly rather than filing a new online application.
If you have NOT received a Cash Grant this season: You must apply for the program first to be considered for a crisis grant.
Pennsylvania LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Pennsylvania uses 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL) for both Cash and Crisis grants. Income guidelines were updated in February 2026 — the table below reflects the updated guidelines effective February 1, 2026:
| Household Size | Annual Gross Income Limit | Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,940 | $1,995 |
| 2 | $32,460 | $2,705 |
| 3 | $40,980 | $3,415 |
| 4 | $49,500 | $4,125 |
| 5 | $58,020 | $4,835 |
| 6 | $66,540 | $5,545 |
| 7 | $75,060 | $6,255 |
| 8 | $83,580 | $6,965 |
| 9 | $92,100 | $7,675 |
| 10 | $100,620 | $8,385 |
| Each additional | +$8,520/year | +$710/month |
Source: Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania 2025–2026 LIHEAP flyer citing DHS updated February 2026 guidelines. Confirm at dhs.pa.gov or by calling 1-866-857-7095.
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Pennsylvania LIHEAP has no asset test.
“Pennsylvanians do not need to know their own eligibility to apply” — DHS explicitly states this. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, apply and let DHS determine eligibility.
SNAP connection: Receiving even a minimal LIHEAP payment qualifies your household for Pennsylvania’s highest Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) tier for SNAP purposes — significantly increasing SNAP benefits for the entire benefit year. See our Pennsylvania SNAP income limits guide for details.
Program Dates 2026
| Component | Dates |
|---|---|
| LIHEAP pre-season (prior recipients) | November 2026 |
| Cash and Crisis grants (general public) | December 3, [current_year-1] – May 8, 2026 |
| Weatherization | Year-round |
2026 delayed opening note: The 2025–2026 LIHEAP season opened December 3, 2025 — delayed from the typical early November start due to the federal government shutdown. The season was also extended from April 10 to May 8, 2026 by DHS Secretary Arkoosh after adequate federal funding was confirmed.
Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs) — Utility Mandate
Pennsylvania is one of the few states where major gas and electric utilities are required by law to offer Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs) to low-income customers. CAPs generally provide:
- A percentage of income payment plan (monthly utility payments based on a percentage of income)
- Or a percentage of bill plan (a flat discount on the bill)
- Arrearage forgiveness for past-due balances (some programs)
- Flat rate discounts or bill credits (some programs)
Eligibility: 150% FPL or below — the same threshold as LIHEAP.
All of Pennsylvania’s major investor-owned gas and electric utilities participate — including PECO, PPL Electric, Philadelphia Gas Works, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, and others. Contact your utility company directly to enroll in their CAP, which can be received alongside LIHEAP.
Philadelphia Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF)
Philadelphia has a distinctive local program not found elsewhere in Pennsylvania: the Philadelphia Utility Emergency Services Fund, one of the largest fuel funds in the country. UESF provides over $2 million annually in energy crisis assistance for Philadelphia residents facing termination of gas, electric, or water service. Philadelphia’s three major utilities (gas, electric, and water) provide a dollar-for-dollar match to every dollar raised and contribute to operating costs.
Apply at any UESF Intake Site in Philadelphia. Access through your local county assistance office or by searching “Philadelphia UESF” online.
How to Apply for Pennsylvania LIHEAP
Step 1 — Apply Online at COMPASS (Fastest)
Online: Apply at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS — Pennsylvania’s integrated online benefits portal for LIHEAP, SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid (Medical Assistance), and other programs. Applications are accepted throughout the season. Returning applicants can apply faster through their existing COMPASS account.
Statewide LIHEAP hotline: Call 1-866-857-7095 (Monday–Friday). For TTY/hearing impaired: PA Relay 711. You can request an application by phone. The hotline is also in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
For a general overview of the LIHEAP process, see how to apply for LIHEAP.
By phone (benefits): Also call 1-866-550-4355 for DHS public assistance programs.
Step 2 — In Person or By Mail
In person: Submit at your local County Assistance Office (CAO). Each Pennsylvania county has a CAO — find yours at dhs.pa.gov.
By mail: Paper applications are always available upon request. Request one through the LIHEAP hotline or your local CAO, complete it, and mail to your county office.
Incomplete applications: DHS must notify you within 10 workdays of receiving an incomplete application, and must give you 15 days to provide the missing information before rejecting the application.
Step 3 — Required Documents
Standard Pennsylvania LIHEAP documentation:
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status
- Proof of gross household income — pay stubs, SNAP/SSI/TANF/Social Security award letters, pension statements (include income of all household members)
- Most recent heating utility bill or fuel delivery receipt
- For crisis applications: documentation of the emergency (shutoff notice, service termination notice, or fuel level documentation for less-than-15-day supply)
Step 4 — Processing and Crisis Expediting
Standard applications: benefits within 10 business days. Life-threatening crisis: expedited, sooner than 10 business days. Once approved, benefits are applied directly to the utility or fuel company account.
To check application status, log in to COMPASS at dhs.pa.gov or see how to track your LIHEAP application status.
Pennsylvania LIHEAP Funding 2026
Pennsylvania is one of the largest LIHEAP states by enrollment. In FY 2024, Pennsylvania served 302,351 heating households and 86,996 winter crisis households, with 608 weatherization projects. Pennsylvania typically receives among the highest LIHEAP allocations in the country. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Pennsylvania with other states.
Additional Resources for Pennsylvania Families
Pennsylvania SNAP (Food Stamps): Check Pennsylvania SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Pennsylvania. Note: receiving even a minimal LIHEAP payment qualifies your household for Pennsylvania’s highest SNAP heating utility allowance for the entire benefit year.
Pennsylvania Medicaid (Medical Assistance): Check Pennsylvania Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Pennsylvania WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 or call 2-1-1 for referrals to local energy assistance, food banks, and other programs across Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits for Pennsylvania LIHEAP?
150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines — $49,500/year ($4,125/month) for a family of 4 as of the February 2026 update. There is no asset test. Even if unsure of eligibility, DHS encourages applying. Confirm current limits at dhs.pa.gov or call 1-866-857-7095.
How many crisis grants can I receive per season?
Multiple — one crisis grant per qualifying emergency, up to the $1,000 seasonal maximum. This means a household can receive a crisis grant each time a new qualifying emergency arises (broken furnace, new shutoff notice, running low on fuel again) within the same season.
What is the 15-day fuel threshold?
Households with less than a 15-day supply of deliverable fuel (oil, propane, wood) qualify for a crisis grant. This is a specific and quantified trigger — if you’re within two weeks of running out, apply for crisis assistance immediately.
What is a Customer Assistance Program (CAP)?
Pennsylvania requires major gas and electric utilities to offer CAPs to low-income customers — typically a percentage-of-income payment plan or flat rate discount, plus arrearage forgiveness. Income limit: 150% FPL. Contact your utility directly to enroll in their CAP alongside LIHEAP.
Does LIHEAP help with my SNAP benefits?
Yes — receiving any LIHEAP payment (even $1) qualifies your Pennsylvania household for the highest Standard Utility Allowance tier in SNAP, which significantly increases your monthly SNAP food benefits for the entire benefit year.
For current Pennsylvania LIHEAP information and to apply, visit dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS or call 1-866-857-7095 (Monday–Friday). The 2026 pre-season typically opens in November 2026.