The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. LIHEAP provides a cash grant during the heating season to help you pay your electric bill. Check the income guidelines to see if you and your family qualify.
Cash Grants
LIHEAP grants can be applied to a past balance in order to establish service at a new address. The amount allowed to post against prior bills is limited to 50% to ensure a portion of the LIHEAP cash grant goes toward future energy needs.
To apply for a cash grant, you’ll need the following items:
- proof of income for each adult in your household;
- a copy of your most recent utility bill (both electric and gas if appropriate); and
- the Social Security number for each adult in your household and, if possible, for each child.
Cash grants can be obtained by:
- Applying online using the COMPASS website. To apply for LIHEAP and many other services that can help you make ends meet, please go to http://www.compass.state.pa.us.
- Downloading the LIHEAP application form at the Department of Public Welfare's website, www.dhs.pa.gov. Click on "Apply for Benefits," then look for "Paper Application."
- Filing a LIHEAP application at your local county assistance office. You can visit the county assistance office in your neighborhood or visit one of the following county assistance office locations below.
For more information, please contact the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095, Monday through Friday. Individuals with hearing impairments may call the TDD number at 1-800-451-5886.
Remember: When you receive your application or when you apply in person, you have the RIGHT TO CHOOSE Duquesne Light Company to receive your LIHEAP grant. To do so, you must check the "secondary heat source" box on your application if your home is not electrically heated.
Crisis Grants
Crisis grants typically are offered in emergency situations, such as:
- Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
- Lack of fuel
- Termination of utility service
- Danger of being without fuel (less than a 15-day supply) or of having utility service terminated (received a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days)
If you are without heat or are in danger of being without heat, you can request a LIHEAP crisis grant in one of the following ways:
To apply for a Crisis grant, you will need:
- Names of people in your household
- Dates of birth for all household members
- Social Security Numbers for all household members
- Proof of income for all household members
- A recent heating bill
Remember: You have the RIGHT TO CHOOSE Duquesne Light Company to receive your LIHEAP Crisis grant. You can direct your grant be paid directly to Duquesne Light or you can split your grant between the electric company and your gas company.