Energy Assistance Programs

Low-income energy assistance programs are available to help families pay their heating bills. We understand how harsh Northeastern winters can be and how a warm home is essential to your family’s well-being. Shipley Energy is here for you; our team is happy to guide you through the process to accessing assistance.

Shipley Energy works with two low-income energy assistance programs –

  • LIHEAP: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program in Pennsylvania
  • MEAP: Maryland Energy Assistance Program

Get In Touch

Would you like some guidance? Call our team to speak to a Customer Care Team Member 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 Shipley Energy 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 Shipley Energy 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:

The LIHEAP income requirements for 2022-2023

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 — Shipley Energy is happy to help you get back on your feet.

For Help With Your LIHEAP Aid

Call Shipley Energy at 1.800.839.1849 or fill out our contact form, and we will be happy to assist you with accessing energy assistance in Pennsylvania. 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.

Maryland Low-Income Assistance Programs

In Maryland, the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) assists low-income households in making energy costs more affordable. OHEP provides several grants to Maryland households in need:

Maryland Energy Assistance Program, MEAP

  • Maryland’s Energy Assistance Program operates year-round to aid eligible households in paying their energy bills. Following your acceptance to the program, payments from MEAP to cover your heating bills will be issued directly to Shipley Energy in one lump sum and are applied to your account in monthly installments. 

The Electric Universal Service Program, EUSP 

  • Households who are eligible to receive EUSP are enrolled in budget billing with their utility companies, which spreads electricity costs into even monthly payments. 

The Arrearage Retirement Assistance, ARA 

  • ARA grants reduce or eliminate past-due electric and/or natural gas bills to eligible Maryland households. To qualify, you must already be approved for MEAP and/or EUSP grants and have a past-due bill of at least $300. These grants are only available to households once every five years. 

Utility Service Protection Program, USPP 

  • USPP protects low-income families from utility turn-offs during the heating season. All MEAP-eligible customers may participate in USPP; participation requires a year-round, even monthly budget billing. 

Maryland Income Eligibility Limits

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

Applying for Maryland Low-Income Assistance Programs 

There are four ways you can apply for Maryland assistance programs – 

  1. Online: Apply online at https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/home/
  2. In-person: To find the Office of Home Energy Programs nearest you and other information on how to apply, call 1.800.332.6347 or visit the website at dhs.maryland.gov/energy
  3. By mail: Mail your application by printing and completing an Energy Assistance application, found at http://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home- energy-programs/how-do-you-apply/
  4. Home visits: Home visits can be arranged for senior citizens or other persons with special medical needs. To coordinate a home visit, call 1.800.332.6347

To apply, you’ll need the following information –

  • A copy of your photo ID
  • Proof of where you live (This can be your utility bill) 
  • Social Security Numbers for all household members
  • Proof of everyone’s gross (pre-tax) income for the last 30 days
  • Copies of Social Security cards for everyone in your household 
  • A copy of your most recent heating fuel bill or receipt (if applicable)
  • Copy of your most recent Utility bill or termination notice (if applicable)

For Help With Maryland Energy Assitance 

Call Shipley Energy at 1.800.839.1849 or fill out our contact form, and we will be happy to assist you with your Maryland Energy Assistance Application. 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.

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We’re Here to Help!

Call Shipley Energy at (855) 212-6676 or fill out our contact form, and we will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have about accessing energy assistance.

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