FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2007

CONTACT: AMANDA AXSOM
PHONE: 610-692-2112
aaxsom@pasenate.com

WEST CHESTER - State Senator Andy Dinniman reminds those in need that assistance is available for Pennsylvanians who face difficulty paying their home heating bills this winter.

“As temperatures drop, residents on low or fixed incomes may not be able to adequately heat their homes. Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps ensure that those in need receive the support they deserve,” Dinniman said.

LIHEAP provides home heating energy grants through the Department of Public Welfare, in order to help low income families pay their heating bills. Eligibility is based on household size, type of fuel, and income. LIHEAP will provide up to $300 annually to eligible applicants in cash payments made directly to the clients’ fuel vendor. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for the program, regardless of the method used to heat their residences.

In addition to cash grants for heating bills, LIHEAP also provides crisis grants of up to $300 for those in danger of being without heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of service.

“Heat is a necessity. Whether you use oil, gas, electricity, coal or even wood, the cost can account for a large portion of your annual household budget. That is where LIHEAP can help. No one should be left out in the cold,” Dinniman said.

Applications are now available at Senator Dinniman’s District Office located at One North Church Street in West Chester.

To apply for LIHEAP, you will need to provide:

1) The names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of all household members;
2) Proof of household income; and
3) A copy of a recent heating bill.

LIHEAP applications will also be available online at www.compass.state.pa.us beginning
Monday, November 5.

For more information, call Senator Dinniman’s office at 610-692-2112 or e-mail andy@pasenate.com.

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