“The proposal to eliminate the LIHEAP program is cruel and will put many Pennsylvanians at risk,” said Gov. Wolf. “I vehemently oppose a federal budget cut to a program that helps keep our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians warm in the harsh winter months.”
LIHEAP provides assistance for home heating bills to keep approximately 345,000 citizens including the elderly, children, and individuals living with a disability warm and safe during the winter months. The program is available to both renters and homeowners.
The support comes in the form of a grant, so the individual does not have to repay assistance, and goes directly to their utility company or home heating fuel provider.
The Department of Human Services received approximately $185.5 million in federal funding for the 2016-17 LIHEAP season.
“The department’s hope is that the federal proposal is solely an ill-advised negotiating tactic, not a serious proposal.” said DHS Secretary Ted Dallas.
During the 2015-16 LIHEAP season, 345,246 households received cash benefits and 89,735 households received crisis benefits statewide totaling $159.5 million in assistance. These households each received an average of $462.
A table showing a county by county breakdown of the number of households participating in LIHEAP is available online.
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