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The following is content from an external news source, republished with permission.
by Whitney Downard, Pennsylvania Capital-Star
July 30, 2026
Just over two-thirds of low-income Pennsylvanians who tapped a federal fund to pay utility bills over the winter will get a supplemental benefit.
It started July 29 and the assistance is tailored to target the most vulnerable residents.
The state Department of Human Services said the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is entirely funded by federal dollars, started with $232 million ahead of the program’s 2025-2026 season, which ended in early May.
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“We know that even though winter is over, many Pennsylvanians may still need assistance with utility bills from last season. LIHEAP helps some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens – children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income families – make ends meet and keep their homes safer, and we are pleased to be able to offer this one-time supplemental payment to LIHEAP households,” said Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh in a release.
More than 278,000 households received benefits over the winter, but the $100 supplement benefit will target 193,000 households that have at least one family member who has a disability, is age 60 or older, or is a child under the age of six. Families don’t need to apply and the payments will go directly to their utility company or home heating provider.
The minimum LIHEAP cash grant is $200 and the maximum is $1,000. Applicants can also secure crisis assistance and weatherization grants.
Receiving the $100 LIHEAP supplemental benefit will not impact future program eligibility. Pennsylvania received $231 million in LIHEAP funds for the 2024-2025 season.
The average benefit that year was $336 for 303,000 households.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Tim Lambert for questions: info@penncapital-star.com.
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