Additional Heating Oil Assistance Available for PA Residents

Posted by Carol Sonenklar on November 3, 2009 at 9:40 am

(image: americanprogress.org)

The Harrisburg, PA Midstate News Patriot reported on Sunday that although there are resources that offer assistance to families with their energy costs, those who qualified for help last year might not receive it this year.

This year, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, which runs the Pennsylvania Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) estimates it will receive about $275 million, about $55 million less than last year. In 2008, federal aid to Pennsylvania for heating assistance was at a record level. This year LIHEAP is available to families of four earning no more than $33,075.

Stacey Witalec, a spokeswoman for the department says the state could get more aid but that there will always be families that are just over the eligibility limit.

“For those families, we tell them, please still call us, still get the information. Because if we can’t help you, there might be another organization out there that can,” Witalec said.

These non-government organizations include:
* The Customer Assistance Program, in which the utility determines what the customer can pay versus the cost of the energy they use.
* The Customer Assistance Referral and Evaluation program, which helps customers with special needs, such as a family emergency, unemployment, or a medical emergency.
* The Low-Income Usage Reduction Program, which helps customers lower their bills by installing energy-saving features in the home.
* Hardship Funds, for customers who “fall through the cracks” and still need help.

Read about LIHEAP eligibility guidelines for other states around the Northeast.