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.