With cold winter weather at hand, I would like to remind local residents that applications are now being accepted for the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

LIHEAP is a state-administered program that helps low-income individuals and families pay for their home-heating bills.

Prices for home-heating fuel are expected to rise in the months ahead, so this program can be a life-saver to those on a fixed income. Families do not have to be on cash assistance to qualify for LIHEAP, and can receive assistance even if they have not missed a payment on a heating bill.

The Energy Association of Pennsylvania is expecting home heating costs to increase across the board, with the price of heating oil and propane seeing the sharpest increase – as much as 20 percent. The association also expects natural gas prices to rise by about 10 percent and electricity costs to increase by 7 percent.

Those who need help with paying their heating bills or who have a heating emergency should find out if they are eligible and apply. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on household income and family size – a family of four can qualify for LIHEAP if their household income is $30,975 or less.

LIHEAP offers two types of grants. Cash grants of up to $300 are available to help families pay regular monthly heating bills. The amount of the grant depends on income, household size, type of heating fuel and region of the state. Crisis grants of up to $300 are also available to pay for heating emergencies such as a broken furnace or fuel shortage.

Residents can also access information online about LIHEAP, other energy assistance programs and energy saving tips at www.staywarmpa.com. Online applications for LIHEAP are available at www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/LIHEAP.