Crisis Services
ASERT does not offer crisis services through our Resource Center. If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health distress or thoughts of suicide please call or text 988 for support.
Assistance with Electric and Utility Bills
Overview
Paying bills and managing a budget can be difficult, especially on a fixed income. This information sheet provides information about programs available in Pennsylvania to assist individuals with electric and other utility bills.
What is LIHEAP?
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP, helps low-income families pay their heating bills. LIHEAP is a grant that offers assistance in the form of a cash grant, sent directly to the utility company, or a crisis grant for households in immediate danger of being without heat. Learn more about Heating Assistance/LIHEAP
Weatherization Assistance Program
This program will provide free energy conservation and weatherization services to those in need to help improve the energy efficiency of homes. Some services included are weatherstripping, wall and attic insulation, minor home repairs, and other related energy-saving measures that will help people lower their electric bills and save money. Learn more about Weatherization Assistance Program
The Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program
The Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program has delivered millions of gallons of discounted and free home heating oil to elderly households and those lower income households that are struggling from emergencies, such as a job loss. Learn more about The Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program.
$1 Energy Fund
This is additional money that may be available for paying bills if you need it due to an emergency situation and are in jeopardy of losing your heat. Emergency situations can include:
- Termination of utility service
- Broken heating equipment or leaking heating lines that must be replaced or fixed
- Lack of fuel
- Danger of being without some type of fuel or having your utility service terminated
Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP)
The LIURP assistance program includes an education component that will help address energy saving methods, regular bill payment behavior and it will also provide application assistance and help with some fees. Learn more about Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP).
The Lifeline 135 Program
The Lifeline 135 program can provide you with a discount of up to $14 on your monthly telephone bill, and the Link Up program will help pay for the installation of a phone, or assist with the purchase of cellular phone. Another resource is UTAP, which can help pay for phone bills to prevent a disconnection. Learn more about Lifeline.
LIHEAP Crisis Program
In addition to the LIHEAP cash program, households experiencing a heating crisis may be eligible for additional benefits through the LIHEAP crisis program. Contact your county assistance office.
Contact Electric & Utility Company
Contact your electric company directly to discuss payment plans, bill extensions, or to ask questions about potential discount programs.
This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.