The Department of Human Services announced plans to keep distributing LIHEAP crisis payments as the program waits for the final 10% of funds for the year from the federal government.
As the Commonwealth waits for federal funds, the state is issuing LIHEAP Crisis payments, but they will not issue Cash payments; until federal funds come. PA Human Services says they are prioritizing LIHEAP Crisis benefits so Pennsylvanians most at risk do not lose essential home energy services.
The final 10% of funding for LIHEAP is held up because the U.S. Human and Health services is waiting for Congress to pass their appropriations bill that authorizes that fund distribution. For Pennsylvania, there is around $21 million still being held up.
The Department says they will continue to accept and process all applications for LIHEAP and is not planning to shorten the LIHEAP season, which remains open through April 5, 2024.
They describe LIHEAP as a federally funded program administered by DHS that helps with home heating bills through Cash and Crisis grants so Pennsylvanians with low incomes can stay warm and safe during the winter months.