On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Pennsylvania opened the window for residents to apply for federal assistance to keep their homes warm this winter.
Application Period and Funding
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now accepting applications across the state. Grants range from a minimum of $200 to a maximum of $1,000 and are awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Applicants may submit their forms anytime until April 10, 2026.
Pennsylvania typically receives more than $215 million in LIHEAP funding each year. Last year, the program helped roughly 40,000 PECO customers, providing nearly $17 million in assistance.
What the Grants Cover
PECO explains that the grant money can be used for past‑due utility bills as well as future payments. “Pennsylvania is the third largest allocation out of all 50 states. That means, there is a lot of poverty in the state of Pennsylvania, and then when you bring it closer to home and talk about the City of Philadelphia, amongst large cities, Philadelphia has the most poverty in the nation. That tells you that there is a high need for these funds,” said Patricia King, PECO Manager of Community Engagement.
Statements from State Officials
Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh emphasized the importance of the program: “Pennsylvanians deserve the safety and health benefits that come from being able to heat their homes and keep themselves and their families warm through the winter. LIHEAP helps hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians each year by providing cash and crisis grants directly to the eligible household’s utility company or heating fuel provider, and I am very glad that we are finally able to begin this important work. I encourage anyone who may need help with heating costs to apply for LIHEAP and keep your home safe through this winter.”
Local Assistance
On Thursday, December 4, 2025, PECO will host in‑person application assistance at its main office on Market Street in Philadelphia. Representatives will be available at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to help residents complete their forms.
LIHEAP applications are also already open in neighboring Delaware and New Jersey.
Key Takeaways
- LIHEAP application period opens December 3, 2025, and closes April 10, 2026.
- Grants range from $200 to $1,000 and are awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
- Pennsylvania receives over $215 million in annual LIHEAP funding, helping tens of thousands of households.
This initiative marks a crucial step in ensuring that Pennsylvanians can maintain safe, warm homes throughout the harsh winter months.
