Pennsylvania's heating assistance program opened Nov. 2, offering grants of up to $1,000 to eligible households in Cumberland County and across the state as winter approaches.

Residential heating oil averaged $6.19 per gallon nationally during the week of Oct. 19, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The agency surveys prices in states where oil heat is common, including Pennsylvania, but does not report county-level averages.

Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides grants to help qualifying households cover heating costs. The money goes directly to utility companies or fuel dealers and does not have to be repaid.

LIHEAP applications are open

The 2026-27 LIHEAP season runs from Nov. 2 through April 23, 2027, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

The program provides one-time cash grants of $200 to $1,000. The amount depends on household income, size, heating type and region. Households can receive one regular cash grant per heating season.

A separate crisis grant is available for households experiencing a heating emergency. That includes households without heat or within 15 days of losing it because of a fuel shortage or utility termination.

Crisis grants range from $25 to $1,000. A household may receive more than one crisis grant during the season, but the combined total cannot exceed $1,000.

Income limits for the 2026-27 season are based on household size:

  • One person: $23,940 per year
  • Two people: $32,460 per year
  • Three people: $40,980 per year
  • Four people: $49,500 per year

Both renters and homeowners can qualify for assistance.

Residents can apply in three ways:

  • Online through COMPASS
  • By calling the LIHEAP helpline at 1-866-857-7095
  • Through their local County Assistance Office

Customers who received LIHEAP last season may receive an application or registration information from the state. Those who have not received assistance before can apply during the current enrollment period.

Other local help

PPL customers in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties may qualify for Operation HELP, a program funded by PPL, its employees and customers.

The program helps eligible households pay home heating bills, including heating costs other than electricity. Tri County Community Action says PPL customers with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify.

Residents can contact the organization at (717) 232-9757 for information about applying.

Pennsylvania's Weatherization Assistance Program also helps qualifying households reduce energy costs.

The program covers improvements such as insulation, air sealing and heating system modification or replacement. The state Department of Community and Economic Development lists an average expenditure of $8,547 per household, depending on the results of a home energy assessment.

Weatherization assistance is available to households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Priority goes to higher-risk residents, including older adults, people with disabilities and families with children.

Residents can contact the weatherization agency serving their county to apply. The state department's information line is 1-866-466-3972.

Help with winter heating bills

Pennsylvania's annual winter utility shutoff moratorium also begins Dec. 1 and runs through March 31.

The moratorium prevents regulated electric and gas utilities from terminating service to eligible households with incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. It does not erase unpaid heating bills.

Residents who need help paying for heat can apply for LIHEAP now rather than waiting for a shutoff warning or fuel emergency.

Additional application information and eligibility details are available through the state's LIHEAP helpline at 1-866-857-7095.