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LIHEAP, WAP, and EAP -- 2026 Guide
Pennsylvania offers multiple income-eligible energy programs for households struggling with energy costs. This guide covers every available program, eligibility thresholds, and how to apply for each program.
Updated February 2026
Pennsylvania offers several income-eligible energy programs through different state and federal funding sources. Unlike standard Act 129 utility rebates (which are available to all customers), these programs specifically target households that face high energy burdens -- spending a disproportionate share of income on heating and electricity.
The three active programs are LIHEAP (federal heating bill assistance), WAP (free weatherization improvements), and PECO EAP (additional rebate stacking for PECO customers).
These programs can be used in combination. For example, a PECO customer could receive LIHEAP for bill assistance, WAP for free insulation and air sealing, and EAP stacking for additional heat pump rebates on top of standard Smart Ideas rebates. This layered approach provides maximum benefit.
Three active programs, each with different eligibility thresholds, benefits, and administrators.
Administered by: PA Department of Human Services
Federal heating assistance program that helps eligible PA households pay their energy bills. LIHEAP provides a one-time cash grant paid directly to the utility company. Crisis grants available for emergencies (shutoff notices, broken heating equipment).
Household income at or below 150% FPL. Automatic eligibility if enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or SSI.
Administered by: PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
Federally funded program providing FREE home weatherization improvements for low-income PA households. Includes insulation, air sealing, heating system repair/replacement, and health and safety measures. Work performed by approved WAP contractors at no cost to the homeowner.
Household income at or below 200% FPL. Priority given to elderly, disabled, and families with children.
Administered by: PECO Energy
PECO-specific income-eligible program that provides ADDITIONAL rebates on top of standard Smart Ideas rebates. Unique to PECO — not available from PPL or Duquesne Light. Tiered benefits based on Federal Poverty Level percentage.
PECO customers with household income at or below 200% FPL.
PECO-exclusive benefit. See the full PECO EAP Stacking Guide for complete details and income thresholds.
EAP is PECO-exclusive. PPL Electric and Duquesne Light customers do not have access to EAP stacking. However, LIHEAP and WAP are available statewide regardless of your utility.
2026 Federal Poverty Level thresholds for LIHEAP (150%) and WAP/EAP (200%).
| Household Size | LIHEAP150% FPL | WAP / EAP200% FPL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,590 | $30,120 |
| 2 people | $30,660 | $40,880 |
| 3 people | $38,730 | $51,640 |
| 4 people | $46,800 | $62,400 |
| 5 people | $54,870 | $73,160 |
| 6 people | $62,940 | $83,920 |
These are maximum gross annual household income thresholds. If your income is at or below the listed amount, you may qualify. Automatic eligibility if enrolled in SNAP, TANF, SSI, or Medicaid.
Tax credits required tax liability to claim, so they were already less useful for low-income households. The income-eligible programs listed above (LIHEAP, WAP, PECO EAP) are direct benefits -- no tax liability required.
Dial 211 (PA resource line) or 866-857-7095 (LIHEAP) for a screening across all available programs. They can determine your eligibility for LIHEAP, WAP, and other state assistance.
LIHEAP provides immediate bill relief ($200-$1,500 grant) and often qualifies you automatically for other programs. Apply online at compass.state.pa.us. LIHEAP enrollment can auto-qualify you for PECO EAP.
WAP provides $5,000-$8,000 in free home improvements. Wait times can be long (6-18 months), so apply early. Contact your local Community Action Agency through 211 or visit dced.pa.gov.
If you are a PECO customer at or below 200% FPL, call 800-494-4000 and ask about EAP stacking with Smart Ideas rebates. This can add $200-$1,400 on top of standard heat pump, HPWH, and other rebates. See our PECO EAP Stacking Guide for full details.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a federal heating assistance program administered by the PA Department of Human Services. It provides a one-time cash grant of $200-$1,500 paid directly to your utility company. You qualify if your household income is at or below 150% FPL, or if you are enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or SSI. Apply online at compass.state.pa.us or call 866-857-7095.
WAP provides FREE home weatherization improvements for low-income PA households (at or below 200% FPL). This includes free insulation, air sealing, heating system repair/replacement, and health/safety measures. The average value of WAP improvements is $5,000-$8,000 per home. Priority is given to elderly, disabled, and families with children. Call 211 to apply.
No. The PECO Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is exclusive to PECO customers in southeastern PA (Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and York counties). PPL Electric and Duquesne Light do not offer an equivalent stacking benefit. PECO EAP provides $200-$1,400 in additional rebates on top of standard Smart Ideas rebates, based on income tier.
Yes. LIHEAP, WAP, and PECO EAP are separate programs with different administrators and can be used together. For example, a PECO customer could receive LIHEAP for bill assistance, WAP for free insulation, and EAP stacking for additional heat pump rebates. LIHEAP enrollment often automatically qualifies you for PECO EAP Tier 1 or Tier 2.
Most programs require proof of income: recent tax return, pay stubs, or proof of enrollment in qualifying programs (SNAP, TANF, SSI, Medicaid). LIHEAP may accept self-declaration in some cases, but PECO EAP requires documentation -- self-certification is not sufficient. Gather your most recent tax return and pay stubs before applying.
No. The federal Section 25C (heat pumps, insulation) and Section 25D (residential solar) tax credits both expired December 31, 2025. They provide $0 in 2026 regardless of income level. Tax credits required tax liability to claim anyway, so they were already less useful for low-income households. LIHEAP, WAP, and PECO EAP are the primary benefits available.
The fastest way is to call 211 (statewide PA resource line) or 866-857-7095 (LIHEAP). They can screen you for all programs. For PECO EAP specifically, call PECO at 800-494-4000. Key thresholds: LIHEAP at 150% FPL, WAP at 200% FPL, PECO EAP at 200% FPL. For a household of 4 in 2026, 150% FPL is approximately $46,800 and 200% FPL is approximately $62,400.
NuWatt Energy provides this guide as an educational resource. All program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts are sourced from the PA Department of Human Services, PA DCED, PECO, and the PA PUC. We recommend calling 211 or your utility directly to verify current availability and eligibility.
Detailed guide to earning $200-$1,400 extra with EAP.
$300-$500/unit + EAP stacking for SE PA.
Complete overview of all three PA utility programs.
$250-$400/unit for eastern and central PA.
$200-$350/unit for greater Pittsburgh area.
Full cost breakdown after rebates by system type.
Call 211 for a free screening across all available programs, or contact NuWatt Energy for installation guidance.