Politics & Government

LIHEAP Crisis Centers to Open Jan. 3

During the cold weather season, LIHEAP Crisis provides assistance to low-income households that are experiencing heating emergencies.

Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will open its crisis program centers on Jan. 3, 2011, with a tentative closing date of March 30, 2012.

The program may be extended or shortened depending upon the availability of federal funds.

During the cold weather season, the LIHEAP Crisis program provides assistance to low-income households that are experiencing heating emergencies, including no heat, lack of deliverable fuels—heating oil, propane and kerosene—and heating system and fuel line repairs and replacements.

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In order to qualify for LIHEAP Crisis, an applicant must have an emergency situation caused by the utility service to the home being turned off and locked, being without fuel, or having broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced, and have a household income at or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty income level. For a family of two, this is an annual income no greater than $22,065.

Applicants must also provide proof of their heating emergency, such as a letter from their utility company stating that the utility has been shut off, proof of social security numbers for all household members and proof of gross income for a minimum of the past 90 days (more in some situations) for all household members. Proof of income for the past 30 days is required for fixed income clients, such as Social Security or Cash Assistance recipients.

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To apply in person for LIHEAP Crisis, applicants should go to one of the following locations:

  • Downtown Pittsburgh (opens Jan. 3) — Human Services Building, One Smithfield Street - First Floor. Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until capacity is reached.

For more information about the LIHEAP Crisis program, call the Allegheny County Department of Human Services at 1-800-851-3838 or visit the Utility Assistance page at www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/liheapfactsheet.aspx.


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