Pennsylvania LIHEAP 2026: Cash and Crisis Grants
In Pennsylvania, LIHEAP is a heating-season program with two parts: a Cash grant sent straight to your fuel provider and a separate Crisis grant for heating emergencies.
Quick answer
To apply for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP is run by the Department of Human Services. Apply online through COMPASS or at your County Assistance Office; a cash grant is paid toward your heating bill. Applying is free through the official agency.
How LIHEAP works in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania runs LIHEAP through the Department of Human Services and its county assistance offices, and you can apply fully online through COMPASS or on paper at your county office. See the state’s LIHEAP page.
It has two parts: a Cash grant, a one-time payment sent directly to your utility or fuel provider, and a separate Crisis grant for heating emergencies such as a broken heater, an imminent shut-off, or running out of fuel. Pennsylvania runs LIHEAP as a seasonal, heating-only program that opens in the fall and closes each spring.
What LIHEAP is, who is eligible, and what it can pay toward are federal — those are covered in how to apply for LIHEAP. What is state-specific is the program’s name, who runs it, and where you apply.
What this program helps with
LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, and can help in an energy emergency such as a shut-off notice or being low on fuel. Some areas also offer weatherization to make a home more energy efficient.
Who may qualify
Eligibility is based on household income and size, and the rules and income limits vary by state. Many states also automatically qualify households that already receive SNAP, TANF, or certain other benefits. Funding is limited and the program has seasonal open and close dates, so apply early. Confirm the current income limits and dates on the official state site. We do not list dollar figures here because the official limits are set by your state and can change each season – always confirm the current numbers on the official site below.
How to apply in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP is run by the Department of Human Services. Apply online through COMPASS or at your County Assistance Office; a cash grant is paid toward your heating bill. You can usually start online, by phone, or in person, and a local office finalizes your application.
Documents you may need
Have ready: photo ID, Social Security numbers for the household, proof of income for everyone in the home, a recent energy or utility bill, and any shut-off or past-due notice. Bring copies and keep your originals.
What to expect after you apply
Applications are processed in the order received while funds last, so applying early in the season helps. If approved, the benefit is usually paid directly to your utility company or fuel provider and credited to your account. If you have a heating or cooling emergency, ask about crisis assistance, which is handled faster.
Official website / application link
Pennsylvania DHS – apply for LIHEAP. Applying is free through the official agency – never pay a third party.
Related guides on GlobalBenefits.org
- Back to the energy assistance (LIHEAP) hub
- National LIHEAP guide
- Pennsylvania SNAP / food stamps
- Pennsylvania Medicaid
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be behind on my bill to get LIHEAP?
No – regular LIHEAP helps with ongoing energy costs, while crisis assistance is for emergencies like a shut-off. You can apply before you fall behind.
Can renters apply?
Yes. Both renters and homeowners can apply as long as they are responsible for their home energy costs.
How to apply in Pennsylvania, the crisis grant, and appeals
Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP is run by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and handled locally by your County Assistance Office. Apply online through COMPASS (compass.dhs.pa.gov), by paper application, or in person, and get help finding your office from the statewide LIHEAP Hotline 1-866-857-7095 (PA Relay 711) or the DHS Customer Service Center 1-877-395-8930.
Two kinds of help: a cash grant paid directly to your utility or fuel vendor toward heating costs (a grant you do not repay), and a crisis component for emergencies such as a broken heater, a shut-off notice, or nearly running out of fuel.
Who qualifies: Pennsylvania uses household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines; have ready the names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for everyone in the home, proof of income, and a recent heating bill.
Season & renewal: LIHEAP runs seasonally (roughly late fall into spring) and the exact open and close dates change every year, so confirm the current season on the DHS site before applying — the program is not automatic, so you reapply each season. If denied, you can appeal and request a fair hearing before the DHS Bureau of Hearings and Appeals by the deadline printed on your notice. Related: check your LIHEAP application status and free home weatherization. Last verified July 2026 against pa.gov (DHS).
You can also confirm details and screen for programs at Benefits.gov and the federal LIHEAP (ACF) page. Applying is free through the official agency.
Last reviewed July 24, 2026 by the GlobalBenefits editorial team. GlobalBenefits is not a government agency; income limits, amounts, dates, and phone numbers are set by the official agencies above and can change – always confirm there before applying. See our corrections policy.
LIHEAP in other priority states: California · Texas · Florida · New York.