Help available to pay heating bills

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Applications for this year’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program are now available at the Lawrence County Assistance Office.

LIHEAP is a federal program that assist low-income people who cannot pay their heating bills.

Eligible households can receive assistance through direct payment to vendors who supply their fuel or through a crisis component during weather-related emergencies, such as a broken furnace, leaking pipes or terminated service.

Homeowners, renters, roomers and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. Any type of fuel may be used. The program is open Nov. 5 through March 21.

Besides household income, grants are based on the type of fuel used and the county of residence. People are urged to apply early for assistance.

Aid is based on income. One person earning $15,315 is eligible for assistance. Other income guidelines are two people earning $20,535 annually; a three-person household with an annual income of $25,755; four people in a household with an income of $30,975; a five-person household, $36,195; and six people, $41,415.

For larger households, the guidelines increase by $5,220 for each additional person. For help with emergency heating, call (724) 656-3021 or (800) 847-4522.