ENERGY ASSISTANCE

Connecting you to help with fuel costs that take up too much of your budget

When you live in Central Pennsylvania, heating is not a luxury — it is a basic human necessity. That is why Sauder Fuel helps connect lower-income households to energy assistance. These programs help prevent fuel costs from taking up too much of your budget, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable year round.

Low-Income Energy Assistance

We’re Here To Help Guide You Through The Process

In times of need, low-income energy assistance programs are available to help families pay their heating bills. We understand how harsh Pennsylvania winters can be and how a warm home is essential to your family’s well-being. Sauder Fuel is here for you; our team is happy to guide you through the process of accessing assistance. 

Low-income energy assistance is available to help families pay their bills through a cash grant. No paybacks are required. 

Want some guidance? Call our team at (717)-484-0900 to speak to a Customer Care Specialist, or fill out the form below, and we will reach out! 

Low-Income Energy Assistance in Pennsylvania 

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program in Pennsylvania helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. 

Following your acceptance to the program, payments from LIHEAP to cover your heating bills will be issued directly to Sauder Fuel and will appear as a credit on your bill. The amount to be credited varies on your income, the number of people in your family, and the type of fuel used to heat your home. 

Each year, the LIHEAP program helps thousands of Sauder Fuel heating oil and propane customers keep their homes warm throughout the winter. You can also access energy assistance through your utility for your home’s natural gas and electricity.

Qualifying for LIHEAP Cash Grants

LIHEAP is a needs-based assistance program that is open to anyone who rents or owns a home. You can apply for LIHEAP whether you are working or not. To qualify, your annual income must fall below a given level, depending on the number of people in your household. You also need proof of your oil or propane account, as well as general information for everyone in your home.

To Qualify, You Must – 

• • Rent or own your home
• • Meet income guidelines
• • You don’t have to be on public assistance
• • You don’t need to have unpaid heating bills
• • Apply between Nov. 1, 2022, and Apr. 28, 2023

Pennsylvania Income Eligibility Limits

To qualify for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania for 2022-2023, your annual gross income for the number of people in your home must be:

Applying For LIHEAP Cash Grants

There are two ways to apply for LIHEAP – 

1. Apply online: Apply for benefits online using COMPASS, the online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for health and human service programs and manage benefit information. This is the fastest way to apply and is the preferred manner by the LIHEAP program. 
2. Apply on paper: You can download a paper application, print it, fill it out, and return it to your local county assistance office. 

To apply, you’ll need the following information – 

• A recent heating bill 
• Names of people in your household
• Dates of birth for all household members
• Proof of income for all household members
• Social Security Numbers for all household members

At least 30 days after submitting your application, you will receive a written notice detailing whether you’re eligible for LIHEAP and the amount of assistance you will receive if you are. 

To contact the LIHEAP Client Helpline, call 1-866-857-7095 to request an application or check its status. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities and wish to communicate with the helpline may call PA Relay Services by dialing 711. 

LIHEAP Crisis Grants

In Pennsylvania, LIHEAP Crisis Grants are available for households facing a one-time emergency heating expense. After being accepted to the LIHEAP program, Crisis Grants may be available if you have an emergency situation and are in jeopardy of losing your heat. You can receive more than one Crisis Grant during the season until the maximum benefit of $1,000 is reached. 

Emergency situations that could qualify you for a LIHEAP Crisis Grant include – 

• Lack of fuel
• The danger of being without fuel (less than a 15-day supply)
• Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
• The danger of having utility service terminated (you’ve received a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days)
• The main heating source or second heating source (a source that is used to operate the main heating source or used if the main heating source is not working) has been completely shut-off

If an unexpected expense threatens your ability to heat your home, a Crisis Grant may be able to help. Contact our team for more information or to take the next steps in your application process — Sauder Fuel is happy to help you get back on your feet.

Contact Sauder Fuel for Help

Call Sauder Fuel at (717)-484-0900 or fill out our contact form, and we will be happy to assist you. Our dedicated team is available to answer any questions you may have and help you apply for assistance. We respect your privacy, and all inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

Additional organizations that can help you with your winter heating bills include:

Ephrata Area Social Services (EASS): 717-733-0345
Lebanon County Christian Ministries: 717-272-4400
Community Action Program & Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
CAP/LIHEAP in Berks, Lebanon and Lancaster counties.
Community Action Program (Ephrata Office)-717-733-6562
Community Action Program (New Holland Office)-717-354-5250
Check your local area and specific community for other organizations and programs that can help you stay warm next season. Don’t let next winter set in before you seek out energy assistance. Your safety and comfort through the coldest months of the year are too important.

Contact us today about energy assistance.