The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opens November 2, 2009. This program helps homeowners or renters with low or fixed incomes meet their families heating needs through home heating energy assistance grants and crisis grants. The Parental Stress Center, located at 5877 Commerce Street, Pittsburgh 15206, in East Liberty, is equipped to help eligible individuals file and mail their LIHEAP applications through an online system called The Benefit Bank©, similar to the state COMPASS system. This year the income limit is set at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Below is a table with income limits specific to size of household. People can also apply for Dollar Energy assistance at the Parental Stress Center. If you meet the eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP you must apply for LIHEAP first before applying for Dollar Energy assistance. Once you have filed your LIHEAP application you can apply for Dollar Energy assistance at the Parental Stress Center.
If your income is above the LIHEAP income guidelines you may be eligible for Dollar Energy as their limit is set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. For example, a family of 4 can have income as high as $44,100. For more information or assistance please contact Gwen Williams or Laura Minnichelli at the Parental Stress Center: 412-361-4800. They can answer your questions, determine eligibility over the phone, and schedule an appointment for you to come to PSC and apply.
LIHEAP Income Guidelines 2009-2010:
Household Size : Income Limit
1 : $16,245
2 : $21,855
3 : $27,465
4 : $33,075
5 : $38,685
6 : $44,295
7 : $49,050
8 : $55,515
9 : $61, 125
10 : $66,735