Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration is warning low-income residents about an impending deadline to apply for home energy assistance.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Recovery Crisis Program ends Aug. 31 and Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller issued a final reminder on Friday.

“These are incredibly difficult times, and that’s why DHS administers safety net programs like LIHEAP Recovery Crisis – to make difficult times a little easier,” said Miller. “Any Pennsylvanian having trouble paying home energy bills should apply and see if they qualify for a little extra help. There should be no shame or stigma associated with asking for assistance.”

LIHEAP usually runs from November through April, but the Recovery Crisis program has taken on added significance this year with the impact of covid-19. Public Utility Commission Chairwoman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille says LIHEAP plays an important role in helping people pay home energy bills and maintain their utility service. Assistance is available for both renters and homeowners.

The program offers a crisis benefit made directly to utility companies or fuel providers to help offset costs for home utilities.

“As we continue to grapple with the impact of covid-19, we encourage low-income consumers to make use of the LIHEAP Recovery Crisis program, as well as exploring other assistance programs available from their utilities, to help keep their families connected and safe,” Dutrieuille said.

LIHEAP Recovery Crisis benefits may be available if a household has their main or secondary energy source completely shut-off, is notified that their utility service will be shut off in the next 60 days, has broken energy equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced, is in danger of being without fuel in 15 days or less or owes money to a utility provider that would lead to a service termination if not for the PUC’s moratorium on terminations.

Applications can be submitted online at www.compass.state.pa.us or a request for an application can be made by phone at 1-800-692-7462.

While CAO’s remain closed, work processing applications, determining eligibility, and issuing benefits continues. Those who have applied and were denied previously but whose financial circumstances have changed can reapply.

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