Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now open until April 16, Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/ Schuylkill) announced today.

The LIHEAP program is administered by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) and helps income-eligible households pay for heat during the winter months.The LIHEAP program was scheduled to close April 2, but the program has been extended another two weeks to end April 16.DPW has helped nearly 500,000 families through cash and crisis grants since the program opened last November for the current season.Applications will be available at the Schuylkill County Assistance Office at (570) 621-3072. Berks County residents should contact the Berks County Assistance Office at (610) 736-4228. Applications are also available from local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. LIHEAP cash grant applications are available online at

compass.state.pa.us.For complete eligibility requirements and additional information on LIHEAP, visit Knowles' Web site at RepKnowles.com and click on "LIHEAP Information."