Pennsylvania's 2026-2027 LIHEAP general application season is scheduled to open November 2, 2026. If you already received a 2026-2027 postcard or application with a registration number, COMPASS has a separate preseason application route that requires that number and your Social Security Number.
Official information checked October 16, 2026.
Quick Summary
General intake is scheduled for November 2, 2026. The FY 2027 final state plan lists April 23, 2027 as the planned closing date and cash benefits of $200 to $1,000. The published annual income limit is $23,940 for one person and $49,500 for four people. A preseason invitation is a separate route; it does not mean general intake has opened.
Can I apply before November 2?
The official COMPASS homepage currently offers LIHEAP 2026-2027 preseason applications using a mailed registration number. Its Getting Started page says the number is on the 2026-2027 season postcard or application mailed to you. You must have that number to use this application.
- Find your 2026-2027 postcard or mailed application and its registration number.
- On COMPASS, choose the LIHEAP Get Started link. Check that the page identifies the 2026-2027 preseason.
- Have your registration number and SSN ready, then confirm or update the household information requested by the official application.
If you have no registration number, do not treat this invitation-only route as general intake. Use the DHS application guide for the November opening and application options.
2026-2027 income limits and household rules
DHS publishes the following annual household income limits, effective February 1, 2026:
- One person: $23,940
- Two people: $32,460
- Three people: $40,980
- Four people: $49,500
- Each additional person: add $8,520.
Homeowners and renters can qualify. You do not need to receive another public benefit or have an unpaid heating bill. DHS counts all adults and children in the household, including relatives living with you and unrelated people who share household expenses. DHS determines eligibility after reviewing the application; the income limit alone is not an approval.
What records should I prepare?
The COMPASS preseason checklist says it may ask for household members' SSNs, proof of citizenship and dates of birth; household income from jobs, child support and other sources; housing and utility expenses; and resource information such as bank accounts, property and life insurance. Have relevant records ready rather than guessing amounts. This is the portal's preparation list, not a statement that every listed item is required from every applicant.
How are benefits paid, and when does the season end?
The FY 2027 final state plan sets a cash benefit range of $200 to $1,000 and planned cash and crisis dates of November 2, 2026 through April 23, 2027. Funding and demand can change benefit levels or season dates. The maximum is not guaranteed to every applicant.
Cash assistance is a grant paid to your utility or fuel provider as a bill credit and does not need repayment. Crisis assistance addresses qualifying heating emergencies, such as broken heating equipment, no fuel or a shutoff risk.
Application help and status tracking
Apply through official DHS routes and reapply each year. After submitting, use Track My Benefits to check application progress. For application help or a heating emergency, call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095, Monday through Friday; people with hearing impairments can call 711.
As of October 16, COMPASS displayed a technical-difficulties notice advising users who receive an error to try the action later. An error does not confirm submission. Keep any application confirmation and use official help if you cannot establish whether your application was received.
Official Sources Used
- Pennsylvania DHS: Apply for LIHEAP - opening notice, income limits, household rules, payment method and help.
- Pennsylvania COMPASS - 2026-2027 preseason registration route, preparation checklist and current technical notice.
- FY 2027 LIHEAP Final State Plan - planned season dates and cash benefit range.
Disclaimer
Statewise Apply Guide is an independent informational website. It is not a government agency, benefits office, law firm, financial advisor, or official application portal. We do not process applications, determine eligibility, issue payments, or provide legal, tax, financial, or benefits advice. Program details, deadlines, eligibility rules, and application links may change. Always confirm information with the official agency before applying.