Pennsylvania's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has been extended through April 18.
The program had been slated to end Friday.
"Pennsylvania has had a difficult winter and programs like LIHEAP have helped our most vulnerable households to endure the cold temperatures. By providing this extension, our Department of Public Welfare is able to give individuals additional time to apply for home heating assistance so they can keep warm for the remainder of the season." Gov. Tom Corbett said in a press release.
Established in 1981, the federally funded LIHEAP program provides assistance to qualified households during the winter to defray the cost of heating bills and related expenses. The length of the LIHEAP program varies depending on federal funds.
Several factors decided how the funds are distributed, including the region where the participants live, income, the number of people living in the home and the type of fuel used.
The program has several components - a regular crisis program, a crisis exception program and a cash grant program.
In the regular crisis program, the funds are for an emergency situation or if the homeowner is in immediate danger of losing heat. An emergency situation could include broken heating equipment, lack of fuel, less than 15 days of heat supply or if a notice was received saying electric service will be terminated within 60 days.
That program started Jan. 2 and was due to close April 4, but along with the cash grant program, that will run through April 18.
The cash program has funds designated toward a utility bill or fuel provider to assist in paying for heating bills.
The crisis exception program started Nov. 4 and closed Jan. 1. The program pays for heat if a main or secondary heating source has been shut off or if a household has less than 15 days of heat supply.
Eligibility guidelines are 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
To apply for assistance, call the LIHEAP hotline at 866-857-7095, visit the county assistance office at the Schuylkill County assistance office at 2640 Woodglen Road, Pottsville, or call 570-621-3072. Information can also be found at www.compass.state.pa.us.
In other news, the state Public Utility Commission said consumers who are behind on their electric and gas bills could have service terminated as of today.
"The severe winter cold has meant we are all using our heating systems more, which means higher energy bills," PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson said in a prepared statement. "Many across Pennsylvania are struggling to pay their bills. Past-due electric and natural gas bills can lead to termination as of April 1 no matter what your financial situation. If consumers receive a termination notice, do not ignore it. Taking the steps to avoid termination means customers also avoid reconnection fees and security deposits, which can add up and make service reconnection expensive."
The commission said those who get a termination notice should call the utility immediately. Customers may call the PUC at 800-692-7380 if needed.
State law dictates the utility company must provide two notices before terminating service. Customers are given the opportunity to make payment arrangements.
A utility will provide information about additional steps to be taken if service is disconnected to re-establish service.