CANONSBURG — Columbia Gas reminds its customers that in addition to cash grants, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers crisis grants to assist income-eligible households without heat or in danger of being without heat.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). It provides cash grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 to assist in paying winter heating bills. Crisis grants range from $25 to $1,200, with the maximum grant amount increasing $400 since last season. Income-eligible customers may receive crisis funding: to restore gas service; to help repair or replace a furnace or a gas line; or to prevent service termination.

The income eligibility limit for the 2021-2022 program is 150 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. This means that an individual with an annual income of up to $19,320 is eligible to apply. A family of four can earn an annual income of up to $39,750. Households can apply for grants until May 6, 2022. Last season, more than 20,000 Columbia Gas customers received LIHEAP grants to help with their energy costs.

Customers are encouraged to apply online through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Service website (COMPASS) at www.compass.state.pa.us.