Pennsylvania’s Automatic $100 Energy Credit: Who Gets It and When?

If you’re a Pennsylvania household struggling with high summer utility bills, there’s a new one-time $100 credit that could show up on your account, but only if you already qualified for LIHEAP this season.

The state is automatically issuing the extra payment to certain vulnerable households, with no application required.
 

Who qualifies for the $100 LIHEAP supplement?

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) is sending the $100 credit to households that meet both of these conditions:

• Received a LIHEAP cash grant during the 2025–26 season (the regular winter heating assistance program).

• Have at least one family member who is:

  • Age 60 or older, or

  • A child under 6, or

  • Living with a disability.

Around 193,000 households across Pennsylvania meet those criteria and will get the extra $100 automatically.
 

How the $100 payment works

The key points families need to know:

• No application needed: If you qualify, PA DHS identifies you from existing LIHEAP records. You do not apply again.

• Credit goes to your utility bill: The $100 is sent directly to the same energy provider that received your original LIHEAP grant. It shows up as a credit on your account, not as a check or direct deposit.

• One payment per household: Even if more than one person in your home meets the age/disability rules, the household gets just one $100 supplement.

• Timing: Payments began going to utility vendors with a July 29 Treasury date, so credits may appear on bills over the following weeks.

Eligible households will also receive a notice explaining the supplemental benefit.
 

Can I apply now just to get the $100?

No. The regular LIHEAP 2025–26 season closed on May 8, 2026. If you did not receive a LIHEAP cash grant this season, you cannot apply now solely to obtain the $100 supplement.

The next LIHEAP season (2026–27) has not opened yet; details and dates will be announced later this year.
 

What to do if you think you qualify but see no credit

If you believe your household meets both conditions but haven’t seen the $100 credit or received a notice:

1. Give your utility provider a little time to post the credit after July 29.

2. Check your mail for an eligibility letter from PA DHS.

3. If needed, call the LIHEAP Client Helpline at 1-866-857-7095 to confirm your status and ask about county assistance options.

In the meantime, if you’re behind on bills, you can also ask your utility company about payment plans, hardship funds, and other local assistance programs.
 

Bottom line

This $100 energy credit is automatic for select LIHEAP households with older adults, young children, or a disabled member.

If you already got LIHEAP this winter and fall into one of those groups, watch for the credit on your next utility statement—no extra paperwork is required.

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