Even though temperatures will be milder this winter, people who are struggling to make ends meet can find help through the state's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.

Although the program is for those with low incomes, people do not have to be on public assistance or have an unpaid heating bill to get help from LIHEAP. The grants are available to those who own their own homes or who rent.The program, which opened Nov. 2, offers both cash and crisis grants. Cash grants help families pay their heating bills. The grant payment is sent directly to your utility company or fuel provider, and it will be credited on your bill. (In some cases, the check may be mailed to you directly.)Crisis grants may be available if you have an emergency situation and are in jeopardy of losing your heat. Those situations include broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced; lack of fuel; termination of utility service; danger of being without fuel (less than a 15-day supply) or of having utility service terminated (received a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days).The program began accepting applications on Nov. 2. To apply, contact your local county assistance office or call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095, Monday through Friday.Local assistance offices are: Carbon County, 1-800-314-0963; Lehigh County, 1-877-223-5956; Monroe County, 1-877-905-1495; Northampton County, 1-800-349-5122; Schuylkill County, 1-877-306-5439.The household income limits for LIHEAP are:One person $17,655Two people $23,895Three people $30,135Four people $36,375Five people $42,615Six people $48,855Seven people $55,095Eight people $61,335Nine people $67,575Ten people $73,815Add $6,240 for each additional person