LIHEAP in Philadelphia: Heating Help for Seniors (2026–27 Season)
LIHEAP in Philadelphia: Heating Help for Seniors (2026–27 Season)
Short answer: The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) gives Pennsylvania residents cash grants to help pay winter heating bills. The 2026–27 season is scheduled to open November 2, 2026. You can apply online through COMPASS, by mail, or in person at the Philadelphia County Assistance Office.
- LIHEAP provides cash grants from $200 to $1,000 to help pay regular heating bills.
- Crisis grants are available if you have a shutoff notice or are running out of fuel.
- The 2026–27 LIHEAP season is scheduled to open November 2, 2026.
- Income limits apply, set at 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Additional local programs like UESF, PECO CAP, and PGW CRP offer year-round utility help.
Keeping a home warm during a Pennsylvania winter is expensive. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps older Philadelphians pay their heating bills. This state program issues cash grants directly to your utility company or fuel vendor.
You do not have to repay a LIHEAP grant. The money is applied as a credit to your heating account to reduce your balance. This guide explains how the program works, when to apply, and where to find other utility assistance in our Philadelphia Senior Resource Guide.
LIHEAP at a Glance
LIHEAP offers two main types of grants for Pennsylvania residents. The standard cash grant helps you pay your regular winter heating bill. The crisis grant helps if you are in immediate danger of losing your heat or running out of fuel.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) sets the program rules and season dates each year. Check the current figures with DHS before you apply, as income limits change annually.
| Program Detail | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Season Dates | The 2025–26 season ran from December 3, 2025, to May 8, 2026. The 2026–27 season is scheduled to open November 2, 2026. |
| Income Rule | Household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Check the current DHS table for exact dollar limits. |
| Cash Grants | Grants range from $200 to $1,000. You can receive one standard cash grant per season to offset heating costs. |
| Crisis Grants | Grants range from $25 to $1,000. You can receive more than one crisis grant per season if you face a heating emergency. |
How to Apply for LIHEAP in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia County Assistance Office (CAO) processes LIHEAP applications for city residents. The CAO also handles Medical Assistance, SNAP, and cash assistance applications. You have several ways to submit your LIHEAP information.
You can apply online using the state’s COMPASS website (www.compass.state.pa.gov). You can also print a paper application and mail it to the CAO, or visit a district office in person.
When you apply, you need to provide specific information about your living situation. Have basic information on everyone in your household, proof of household income, and a recent heating bill ready.
If you need help with your application, you can call the CAO at 215-560-7226. The main Philadelphia CAO headquarters is located at 801 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Your specific district office depends on where you live in the city.
If a parent also needs day-to-day help, New Century provides in-home care in Philadelphia. Call 215-974-0000 or submit the “I am a client” form.
Shutoff Notice? Get a Crisis Grant First, Then UESF
A heating emergency requires fast action to keep your home safe. You qualify for a LIHEAP crisis grant if you receive a shutoff notice, if your service is already shut off, or if you have less than two weeks of deliverable fuel.
You can receive more than one crisis grant per season, up to the maximum limit of $1,000. Always contact the CAO immediately if you receive a termination warning.
If LIHEAP does not cover your entire past-due balance, the Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) might help. UESF provides grants for Philadelphians with a termination notice or an active shutoff. Your household income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty level.
A UESF grant must bring your utility account balance to exactly zero. PECO, PGW, and the Philadelphia Water Department match UESF grants to help clear the debt. During the active LIHEAP season, you must apply to LIHEAP before you can receive UESF funds. Visit uesfacts.org for the correct contact numbers and application details.
Lower Your Bills All Year
Winter is not the only time utility bills strain a fixed income. Philadelphia utility companies offer ongoing assistance programs. These programs lower your monthly bills based on your income.
Enrolling in a customer assistance program can prevent shutoffs from happening in the first place. Some programs also include debt forgiveness for past-due balances. One application to the water department covers all of their discount programs.
| Utility Program | Contact & Details |
|---|---|
| PECO CAP | The Customer Assistance Program lowers your monthly electric or gas bill. Call 1-800-774-7040. |
| PGW CRP | The Customer Responsibility Program provides a discounted monthly gas bill. Call 215-235-1000. |
| Water TAP & Senior Discount | The Tiered Assistance Program offers a fixed bill of 2% to 3% of your income (up to 150% of poverty). The Water Department also offers a senior citizen discount. |
More Help for Older Philadelphians
If you face a shutoff and need free legal help, contact Community Legal Services (clsphila.org). Their lawyers assist low-income Philadelphians with utility disputes and benefit problems.
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) also maintains an Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians. You can reach the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 for information about emergency resources and support.
A cold house is dangerous for older adults. Drafty windows and broken heaters increase the risk of illness. The city offers free home repair programs for eligible seniors. The Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) provides free repairs of electrical, plumbing, and heating emergencies in owner-occupied homes. The PCA Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program (SHARP) also helps Philadelphia homeowners who are 60 and older. BSRP covers heating emergencies, and both programs address basic home safety issues.
Sometimes, keeping an older adult safe at home requires extra hands. A home care aide provides companion care, prepares warm meals, and ensures your loved one dresses appropriately for the weather.
If your loved one qualifies for the Medicaid Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver, it can cover Personal Assistance Services at home, and relatives can be hired as paid caregivers. The waiver will not pay a spouse, legal guardian, representative payee, or power of attorney.
New Century Home Care helps Philadelphia families set up reliable non-medical home care. Call 215-974-0000 and select the “I am a client” form on our website to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline to apply for LIHEAP in PA?
The deadline depends on the season dates set by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The 2025–26 season closed on May 8, 2026. The 2026–27 season is scheduled to open November 2, 2026. Check the DHS LIHEAP page for the closing date once the season opens.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia residents apply through the Philadelphia County Assistance Office. You can apply online using the COMPASS website, mail a paper application to the CAO, or visit a local district office in person. You will need proof of income and a recent heating bill.
What is the maximum income to qualify for LIHEAP in PA?
The household income limit for LIHEAP is set at 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Because these dollar amounts change, you should check the current table provided by the Department of Human Services for the exact limit.
How many times can you apply for LIHEAP in PA?
You can receive one standard cash grant per season. However, if you face a heating emergency, you can receive more than one crisis grant per season, up to the maximum limit of $1,000.
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