Pennsylvania LIHEAP Emergency Services Program

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps Pennsylvania residents with low incomes keep their homes warm during the cold winter months. Funded by the federal government, the program enables the PA Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide vital heating assistance to eligible households.

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Center for Residential Reinvestment Programs works with DHS to administer the LIHEAP Emergency Services Program (formerly known as the LIHEAP Crisis Interface Program). This emergency assistance is typically available from November through March to households facing a heating emergency, which DHS defines as having no heat or being in imminent danger of losing heat.

DHS considers emergency situations to be:

• Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
• Lack of fuel
• The main heating source or second heating source (a source that is used to operate the main heating source or used if the main heating source is not working) has been completely shut-off
• Danger of being without fuel (less than a 15 day supply) or of having utility service terminated (received a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days)

Services Provided Under LIHEAP Emergency Services

Local weatherization agencies work with DHS and DCED to provide the following emergency heating repair and replacement services to eligible Pennsylvania households.

Primary Services

• Heating system repair
• Replacement of unrepairable heating systems
• Repair or replacement of broken gas or fuel lines
• Repair of hot water heating system
• Heating system pipe thawing

Secondary Services (these services can only be performed in addition to the primary services listed above)

• Loan of temporary auxiliary heater
• Repair of broken windows
• Provision of blankets

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for the LIHEAP Emergency Services program is determined by your local County Assistance Office (CAO) based on income limits determined by DHS.

To qualify:

• You must apply through your County Assistance Office
• The CAO will assess your income and heating situation to determine eligibility.
• If eligible, DHS will either take steps to directly resolve the issue or will refer your household to the local weatherization agency for an in-home evaluation and service.

Funding and Assistance Amounts

Emergency service funding amounts will vary based on the type of heating emergency and the scope of repairs needed, as determined by the local weatherization agency’s assessment.

How to Apply

To apply for heating emergency assistance through LIHEAP, contact your local County Assistance Office (CAO), which will determine your eligibility based on your household income and heating needs. If you qualify, the CAO will coordinate with DHS or your local weatherization agency to provide the necessary services.

Questions?

Have questions about the LIHEAP Emergency Services Program? Visit our LIHEAP Emergency Services FAQ to find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions—like how to tell if you qualify, what counts as a heating emergency, how long the application process takes, and what types of repairs or heating equipment replacements may be covered.