LIHEAP applications open for Pennsylvanians who need help with winter utility bills
Tommy Liu has spent the past 12 years covering the business landscape in Pittsburgh. He holds a degree from Penn State University and has worked for local NPR affiliate WESA, where his investigations into business practices earned him a reputation as a knowledgeable resource in local economic issues. He has a keen eye for trends and a deep understanding of the local economy.
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Federal funding is now available for those who need help paying their utility bills this winter.Whether we like it or not, cold weather is coming. That means we'll need to turn up the heat, but higher utility bills could lead to more challenges for some. "People have to make decisions of whether or not you're going to buy groceries or be able to pay your utility bills," said Andrew Barnes, the executive deputy secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.Barnes said help is out there so people hopefully don't have to make that choice, specifically through LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which opened for applications on Monday in the state. It's the federally funded program that helps eligible families who meet income guidelines pay their heating bills by sending payments directly to their utility company or fuel provider.There are cash and crisis grants. The minimum cash grant is $200 and the maximum is $1,000. You can only get one per season. A cr