Home Heating Assistance (LIHEAP) May Be Cut 40%

Unless Congress makes changes in the coming days, hundreds of Potter County families enrolled in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will see their benefits cut by an estimated 40 percent. The Senate Appropriations Committee is weighing a measure to cut federal funding for the program from $5.1 billion to $3.3 billion. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) is opposing the proposal. “Cutting LIHEAP would be devastating to Pennsylvanians already struggling and relying on assistance to stay warm,” Sen. Casey said.

Regardless of the amount of federal funding, applications are now being accepted from Potter County residents for LIHEAP. Grants are based on household income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. To qualify for a cash grant, annual income limits are: one-person household, $17,328; two-person, $23,312; three-person, $29,296; four-person, $35,280.

Those interested in applying should contact the county assistance office to make an appointment. Telephone number is 274-4900 in Potter County. The following information will be required: names, dates of birth and social security numbers of all household members; proof of all income in the household; a copy of a recent heating bill. More information is available at a toll-free phone number, 1-866-857-7095.