PA DHS Confirms LIHEAP December 3 Start Date
On November 14, the PA Department of Human Services (DHS) reconfirmed that the state will open the 2025 – 2026 Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season on December 3rd, now that the federal government shutdown has ended. DHS previously announced that the program start date was delayed at least 30 days due to lack of federal funding.
Pennsylvania anticipates receiving $219 million to fund the 2025 – 2026 program, which is appropriated through Congress. The state also has approximately $9 million in carryover funding from FY 2025 that will be applied to the program. Over 60,000 Pennsylvania households participate in LIHEAP and rely on deliverable fuels during the winter months.
The PPA recommends that fuel vendors engage with their local County Assistance Office (CAO) in preparation for the December 3 program open date. Members can contact Ted Harris at tharris@papetroleum.org regarding DHS policy questions.
