Rep. Wheatley provides details on Pa.’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which is now open, and the Property Tax Rent/Rebate, which is accepting applications until the end of December.

Photo: Office of Rep. Wheatley

It’s starting to get cold, and winter is just around the corner. The state’s federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to help folks who are behind on their bills or need a little help, and I am encouraging people to apply for it.

The program offers cash grants to help with home heating bills and crisis grants to help with emergency situations, such as a broken furnace or an unexpected fuel shortage.

Currently, the maximum income allowed for eligibility, based on household size, ranges from $19,320 for one person to $46,560 for five people in the home.

For each additional family member over five, the maximum income limit increases by $6,810.

Online applications may be completed by visiting www.compass.state.pa.us.

Another well-received program is the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which offers eligible Pennsylvanians money back on rent or property taxes paid. Anyone who qualifies for the program can stop into my district office and we can help with the applications.

I want to make sure my office helps as many eligible residents or their relatives get their applications done. The program is very helpful to many people in my community.

People who are filing should bring necessary 2020 income, property tax, or rental information.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and individuals with disabilities ages 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 a year for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.

The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.

The Department of Revenue does not charge a fee for the application and my staff can provide you with free help filling out your application.

After submitting your application, you may check the status of your rebate online at www.revenue.pa.gov, by calling 888-PA-TAXES, or by contacting my office.

Please beware of scams and efforts to charge a fee for assistance. Third-party agencies claiming to expedite your application for a fee are simply attempting to take advantage of those in need. They may be seeking to use your personal information obtained for the application process in an unauthorized manner.

My staff and I are prepared to answer your questions about LIHEAP, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and other state-related issues. Please call us at (412) 471-7760.