Pennsylvania Opens LIHEAP Heating Assistance Applications
Eligible households can now apply for federally funded grants to help pay heating bills this season.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Financial Aid
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Pennsylvania has opened applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay heating bills. Applications are being accepted through April 23, 2027.
Why it matters
Heating costs can strain household budgets during winter, and LIHEAP offers both regular heating grants and emergency crisis grants for situations such as broken heating equipment, lack of fuel, or utility shutoffs. Eligibility is based on income relative to household size.
Households can receive one home heating energy assistance grant of $200 to $1,000 per LIHEAP season, and may qualify for more than one crisis grant ranging from $25 to $1,000. The extraction does not indicate total statewide funding or the number of eligible households.
The players
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
The state agency that administers LIHEAP and operates the COMPASS online application portal for Pennsylvania residents.
The details
Applicants can apply online at dhs.pa.gov/compass or by contacting their county assistance office at 724-357-2900, or by calling LIHEAP at 1-866-857-7095. Crisis grants cover emergencies including loss of heat from broken equipment, lack of fuel, or termination of utility service.
Timeline
Applications opened November 7, 2026.
Application period runs through April 23, 2027.
Culture Shift
Pennsylvania's opening of LIHEAP applications is one state's annual implementation of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which has funded winter heating aid since its establishment under federal law. The seasonal cycle reflects the program's structure of home heating grants paired with emergency crisis grants.
Pennsylvania households facing heating costs can apply for a $200 to $1,000 seasonal grant or an emergency crisis grant of $25 to $1,000 if they lose heat or fuel. Eligibility depends on household income relative to household size.
The takeaway
If heating costs or a heating emergency threaten your household this winter, check LIHEAP eligibility early since applications run through April 23, 2027. Crisis grants may be available even if you received a regular grant earlier in the season.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore Financial Aid and other Pennsylvania benefit programs.
More information
Apply through the Pennsylvania DHS COMPASS application portal to begin your LIHEAP application.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCCS AM1160 & 101.1FM.
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