PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania will receive an additional $52.3 million in federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to assist those who are struggling to pay home heating bills, Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Secretary Gary D. Alexander announced Friday.

The federally funded program provides cash grants to eligible low-income households to help pay for home heating fuel. It also provides crisis grants to address heating emergencies such as furnace failures or unexpected fuel shortages.

The funding will allow the DPW to keep LIHEAP open through March 31, according to Alexander.

The additional $52.3 million brings the state’s total to $209.5 million for the current LIHEAP season, which began last November 1. Since then, the program has helped 269,777 households pay heating bills. More than 54,412 households have received crisis grants.

The minimum cash benefit recipients may receive is now $100, and the maximum crisis grant amount is $300. To apply, an applicant must provide proof of income, household size and a recent heating bill.

Call 866/857-7095.