Trump suggests nixing LIHEAP program again

President Donald Trump has proposed eliminating LIHEAP from the next federal budget, which Pennsylvania relies on to fund its program each year. The White House has called the program unnecessary and said that because many states ban utility shutoffs for low-income households during the winter, LIHEAP payments are effectively passed to utility companies.

But Congress is not likely to approve the cut, as the program generally has bipartisan support. Trump’s last budget proposal in 2025 also aimed to cut LIHEAP money, but lawmakers voted to fund the program anyway.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine who chairs the Senate’s Appropriations Committee, released a statement criticizing the President’s latest budget proposal, calling LIHEAP “worthwhile.”

What does LIHEAP cover?

Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP program provides grants to households earning below 150% of the federal poverty level to help pay their winter heating bills. This year, the income limit is $23,940 for an individual and $49,500 for a family of four.

LIHEAP money can also be used to pay down utility debt, reverse utility shutoffs or fund repairs to broken heaters.

LIHEAP provides two types of grants — “cash” and “crisis” — and households can apply for both.

Cash grants of $200 to $1,000 are sent directly to utility companies or fuel providers and appear as a credit on recipients’ bills. Households don’t need to be behind on their bills to receive cash grants.

Crisis grants of $25 to $1,000 can be used to avoid utility shutoffs or repair broken heating equipment. These are reserved for households at immediate risk of losing heat.

How to apply for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania accepts LIHEAP applications online through COMPASS, the state benefits portal.

You can also apply in person through county assistance offices and, in Philadelphia, through the network of neighborhood energy centers.

You’ll need proof of income and a recent bill from your primary heating source.

The state runs a LIHEAP phone helpline at 1-866-857-7095.

Gas prices in Pennsylvania have risen sharply due to the Iran war, with the state average now at $4.18 per gallon — an increase of $1.06 since the conflict began.

McCormick says rising prices are a concern

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick acknowledged the financial strain on Pennsylvanians.

“I am worried about gas prices, that the gas is up a buck a gallon,” McCormick said.

McCormick expressed hope that relief could come soon as negotiations related to the Iran war progress.

“I think the sooner we can finish up the mission and get home, I don’t think there’s any risk of a long, Iraq-like situation, where we’re trying to fix Iran. I think the president’s clear on that, and I’m certainly clear on that,” he said.

Farmers feel impact beyond the pump

During recent meetings with farmers in Middletown and Tioga County, McCormick noted that higher fuel prices are significantly affecting the agricultural industry.

“Fertilizer prices have gone way up largely because of what’s going on in Iran,” he said.

Labor issues add to farm concerns

McCormick also addressed labor concerns raised by farmers, particularly regarding the H-2A visa program, which allows farm workers to enter the U.S.

“We need to make some changes on that, I think, and maybe even a new visa category for folks that work full-time. And these are jobs that, frankly, most Americans aren’t taking or willing to take. So, so there’s definitely work to do,” he said.