2025-26 LIHEAP Update: Applications opened Dec. 3, 2025 | Apply by April 10, 2026
(updated Dec. 5, 2025)
PA LIHEAP applications are open Dec. 3, 2025 - April 10, 2026
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA’s 2025-26 LIHEAP flyer for Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery counties (1-page PDF)
Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP webpage
2025-26 LIHEAP brochures in English and Spanish.
The PA Dept. of Human Services announced that LIHEAP is open for applications from Dec. 3, 2025.
The opening was delayed due the federal government shutdown.
Deadline to apply:
Friday, April 10, 2026
What is LIHEAP?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families pay heating bills with a grant. The money does not have to be paid back.
Cash grants
$200-$1,000 to pay heating bills. One-time payment, usually sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider and credited to your bill.
Eligibility: Income; home heating responsibility; responsible for primary or supplemental heat; includes renters who pay for heat as part of rent, even without a utility account; Pennsylvania resident.
Crisis grants
$25-$1,000 to help in an emergency, if you might lose your heat.
Call County Assistance Office (24 hours).
For broken heating equipment or leaking lines; lack of fuel; shut-off; danger of being without fuel (less than a 15 day supply); danger of having utility service terminated.
To get help:
Meet income guidelines (income at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines; scroll down for chart).
You do NOT need to be on another public assistance program.
You do NOT need to have an unpaid heating bill.
Your heat can still be on.
Rent or own your home.
Apply again this year, even if you received LIHEAP last year.
How to apply for LIHEAP in 2025-26
To apply, you will need:
A recent bill from your main heating source.
Names, dates of birth and Social Security Numbers for all household members.
Proof of income for each household member. Documents can include pay stubs, award letters, employer statements, and other forms of verification.
Additional documents may be required if you are not a U.S. citizen, if your heating bill is included in your rent, or if your income is less than the cost of your monthly basic living needs.
You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
Apply online: www.dhs.pa.gov/compass
Call: 866-857-7095. The LIHEAP hotline is open Monday-Friday.
Individuals with hearing impairments can call PA Relay at 711.
In person at your County Assistance Office, open Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Thursday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Download the form in English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Cambodian, Haitian Creole, Russian or Vietnamese. Print, fill it out, and return it to your local county assistance office.
Bucks County: 1214 Veterans Highway, Bristol, PA 19007 (LIHEAP: 215-781-3393 or 800-616-6481)
Chester County: 100 James Buchanan Drive, Thorndale, PA 19372 (LIHEAP: 610-466-1042)
Delaware County (Crosby District / Headquarters): 701 Crosby Street, Suite A, Chester, PA 19013 (LIHEAP: 610-447-3099)
Delaware County (Darby District): 845 Main Street, Darby, PA 19023 (610-461-3800)
Montgomery County (Norristown District): 1931 New Hope Street, Norristown, PA 19401 (LIHEAP: 610-272-1752)
Montgomery County (Pottstown District): 24 Robinson Street, Pottstown, PA 19464 (LIHEAP: 610-272-1752)
2025-26 LIHEAP income guidelines*
At or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines:
Household of 1: Maximum annual income of $23,475 per year
Household of 2: Maximum annual income of $31,725 per year
Household of 3: Maximum annual income of $39,975 per year
Household of 4: Maximum annual income of $48,225 per year
Household of 5: Maximum annual income of $56,475 per year
Household of 6: Maximum annual income of $64,725 per year
Household of 7: Maximum annual income of $72,975 per year
Household of 8: Maximum annual income of $81,225 per year
Household of 9: Maximum annual income of $89,475 per year
Household of 10: Maximum annual income of $97,725 per year
For every additional person, add $8,250 per year.
*Note: Income guidelines will be updated in February 2026.
What to expect after you apply
After your application is reviewed, you will receive written notice explaining your eligibility and the amount of assistance you will receive.
Please allow 30 days for a response, unless you are applying for a crisis grant.
Track your application status
After you apply for benefits, you can check your application at any time.
Visit trackmybenefits.pa.gov/ for updates on your LIHEAP, Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF application. has cash & crisis grants (you can get both)
If you receive a LIHEAP denial, contact Legal Aid of Southeastern PA
LASP provides free civil legal aid for low-income, vulnerable people in Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery counties. 877-429-5994, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or lasp.org/apply 24/7.
Se habla español. Language access & interpretation available for 240+ other languages.
Further reading & resources
LASP's 2025-26 flyer (1-page PDF) includes where to apply in person in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties)
Pennsylvania information page and application in multiplie languages for the 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): https://www.dhs.pa.gov/LIHEAP
2025-26 Pennsylvani LIHEAP flyer (2-page PDF) published by the PA Dept. of Human Services
by David Mowery | Reading Eagle, Lansdale Reporter, Norristown Times-Herald | Dec. 2, 2025 | https://bit.ly/Reporter-12-2-2025
LIHEAP delayed opening (Oct. 28, 2025) Update from the Pennsylvania Dept. of Human Services (DHS):
“Due to the federal government shutdown and lack of federal funding, the 2025-2026 LIHEAP season opening is delayed until Dec. 3, 2025, contingent on availability of federal funding. If the federal government does not reopen or funding is not released to states, Pennsylvania will be unable to begin the normal LIHEAP season until funding is received.”
You may also be interested in:
PECO Customer Relief Fund for limited- to moderate-income customers: Apply ASAP or by Dec. 31, 2025 (Nov. 5, 2025) | https://www.lasp.org/news/peco-customer-relief-fund