Applications for assistance are available

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Applications for this year's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program are available at the Lawrence County Assistance Office, 108 Cascade Galleria.
LIHEAP is a federal program that assists low-income people who cannot pay their heating bills.
Eligible households can receive help through a direct payment to vendors that supply fuel or through a crisis component during weather-related emergencies, such as a broken furnace, leaking pipes, or terminated utility service.
Homeowners, renters, roomers and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. Any type of fuel may be used.
The program opened this month and ends March 23. Grant awards are based on household income, household size, the type of fuel used and the county of residence.
To be eligible, household income cannot exceed 135 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines: $12,920 for a one-person household; $17,321 for two people; $21,722 for three persons; $26,123 for four people; $30,524 for five people; and $34,925 for six. For larger households, the guidelines increase by $4,401 for each additional person.
Last year in Lawrence County, $936,801 was issued in grants to offset heating bills; crisis grants totaling $502,056 also were given out. Altogether, 4,093 households were served.
Help for heating emergencies is available 24 hours a day by calling the Lawrence County Assistance office at (724) 656-3021. Calls beyond normal working hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be directed to leave a message or call 911 for more assistance.