(WHTM) – Pennsylvania is extending the deadline for residents to apply for home energy assistance.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services says the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season has been moved from April 4 to April 18.

Those who may have trouble paying home heating bills are encouraged to apply for  LIHEAP Cash and LIHEAP Crisis benefits before the new April 18 deadline.

The minimum LIHEAP cash grant is $200, and the maximum cash grant is $1,000. Pennsylvanians who need the LIHEAP crisis grant will be eligible for a minimum grant of $25 and a maximum grant of $1,000.

You may be financially eligible for the 2024-2025 LIHEAP season if your income is at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit. For an individual, that is a gross income of $22,590 per year, and for a family of four, that is a gross income of $46,800 per year. 

“The LIHEAP season is now closing for the year on April 18, so Pennsylvanians who may still need help with their heating bills from this winter should apply now,” said Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh. “LIHEAP helps our community’s most vulnerable citizens – children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income families – make ends meet and keep their homes safer. If you are still having trouble paying your heating bills, please apply by April 18 so LIHEAP can help ease this burden.”

The department warned that continued federal funding is critical to its ability to provide assistance.

More than 300,000 Pennsylvania families currently use the program to heat their homes during the colder months.