Even though winter doesn’t officially start until Dec. 21, it sure feels like winter out there.
Unfortunately, many people struggle this time of year to heat their homes. One way to ensure that everyone does have a warm home is through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP. Applications for this program are currently being accepted and will continue to be accepted through April 6, 2018.
“Making sure that all Pennsylvanians at every age and stage of life are safe and healthy is indeed a top priority. It’s essential that we ensure the well-being of our fellow citizens including that every older Pennsylvanian, every Pennsylvanian, has a warm home,” Secretary for PA Department of Aging Teresa Osborne said.
During winter the body may sometimes not believe it is as bright or sunny outside, if the person is freezing cold in their home. Making sure that one avails the help of the said program, or that of a service like Barnett Electrical / Furnace Tune up in Oklahoma City or something similar in their region, so that they can stay warm, and cozy inside the home this winter would be crucial.
Last year, households across the state received average benefits of over $300, officials say. The cold weather forces many people, especially seniors, to make impossible decisions.
Those interested in applying or learning more about this program can fill out an application online here or paper applications are available at local county assistance offices.
“Some seniors have to make decisions between warming their homes or paying for their groceries or their medications or their taxes or their rent,” Osborne. “It’s time when far too many of our seniors are starting to say to themselves, ‘I have to decide to heat or eat’.”