The Department of Human Services announced that the 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program season has started taking applications. Normally opened in November each year, the program was delayed due to the federal government shutdown. The 2025-26 season is scheduled to run through April 10, 2026.

LIHEAP is a federally funded DHS program that helps eligible households pay their heating bills by sending payments directly to their utility company or fuel provider. States receive LIHEAP funding through a federal block grant — these dollars were recently issued by the Trump Administration after the federal shutdown ended. Pennsylvania typically receives more than $215 million in LIHEAP funding each year, including $216 million in 2023 and $229 million in 2024.

LIHEAP assistance does not need to be paid back and is available in the form of cash or crisis grants. The minimum 2025-26 LIHEAP cash grant is $200, and the maximum cash grant is $1,000. Individuals and households may receive one cash grant per LIHEAP season.

LIHEAP crisis grants for a minimum of $25 and a maximum grant of $1,000 are also available to those who qualify.

Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP and other public assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS or by calling 1-866-550-4355. Pennsylvanians do not need to know their own eligibility to apply.