Pocono News Section

Long Lines for LIHEAP Crisis Grant Applications

Long Lines for LIHEAP Crisis Grant Applications - Monday, January 4, 2010 at 10:30AM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Monday, Jan 4, 2010 @ 10:30am EST

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- Many families struggling to pay their heating bills are expected to apply for LIHEAP crisis grants to help cover costs, but it's tougher to qualify for the program this year.

Families have to make about 25% less to qualify than they did one year ago, and those who qualify won't get as much assistance.

LIHEAP crisis grants are given to households with no heating source or with health or life-threatening emergencies.

"This line is going to get really long," said Ray Lombard of Madison Township. He was the first in line by 6am at the Scranton Lackawanna Human Development Agency. "It's going to get really long. A lot of people are hurting."

Kathy Toothill of Moscow is applying for LIHEAP for the first time. She says medical problems have kept her from work since July.

"I wouldn't make it to February without help," said Toothill.

Guidelines have changed. Last year, a family of four with an annual income of $44,100 qualified. This year, a family of four can make no more than $33,075 to be eligible. On top of that, the state has $211 million in federal LIHEAP funds to hand out -- a lot less than the $330 million available last year.

If you need more information on the LIHEAP crisis grant program or contact information for county assistance offices, copy and paste the following link in your web browser: http://www. dpw. state. pa. us/ServicesPrograms/CashAsstEmployment/003670281.htm