Click on other tabs above for information about legal aid providers and courts in your area. Below is legal information on this sub-topic. You can localize this information by clicking on the"Choose Another Location" link in the right column and selecting the area where you live.
Online Applications, Benefit Screening, Resources and Forms
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
(Separate Website)
Pennsylvania residents can apply for a variety of programs, including public assistance, food stamps, health care coverage, energy assistance and other social service programs at this site
By: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Application for Social Services (COMPASS)
LIHEAP Benefit Amount Table
(Separate Website)
Select the county where you live and the type of fuel you use to heat your home or a type you to use for additional heat. LIHEAP benefits are calculated on income, household size, the fuel type and the heating region where you live. The benefit table for your county and the type of fuel you use is displayed listing the LIHEAP benefit amount for your yearly income range and household size.
By: Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Informal Complaints
(Separate Website)
Information to assist consumers in resolving complaints with utility companies under the PUC’s authority.
Informal Complaint (Online Form)
PDF By: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Public Utility Commission - Formal Complaint Process [PDF]
(Separate Website)
Information regarding the formal complaint process. Also see procedures for informal complaint and inquiries.
By: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
PUC Forms and Complaints
(Separate Website)
Forms avaialable from the Public Utility Commission
By: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Utility Service for Tenants (Video)
This video from Neighborhood Legal Services Association explains what a tenant should do when a landlord fails to pay the utility bill and the service is going to be shut off.
By: Neighborhood Legal Services Association
Utility Service Tenants Rights Act
Information for tenants regarding utility service your rights under the Tenants Rights Act.
By: Northwestern Legal Services
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(Separate Website)
Details concerning Pennsylvania's LIHEAP Program, eligibility guidelines, how to apply, how payments are received, etc.
By: Northwestern Legal Services
LIHEAP FAQ's
(Separate Website)
A list of frequently asked questions relating the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Pennsylvania.
By: Northwestern Legal Services
LIHEAP and CAP Programs (Video)
This video from Neighborhood Legal Services Association explains the operation of the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Customer Assistance Programs (CAP) offered by utility companies.
By: Neighborhood Legal Services Association
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(Separate Website)
Information on the Pennsylvania Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program that helps low income people pay their heating bills through energy assistance grants and emergency repair assistance.
By: Neighborhood Legal Services Association
PA LIHEAP 2009-2010 (Video)
Two-part excerpt from Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" cable access television show broadcast on Erie Cablevision (Channel 2) in Erie, PA.
NWLS Executive Director Robert Oakley interviews Harry Geller, Esq., PA Utility Law Project, regarding the Pennsylvania Low Income Home Emergency Assistance Program, 2009-10 winter season. Recorded December 2009.
Part I includes info on LIHEAP Cash grant eligibility guidelines, qualifying heating sources, renter's rights to LIHEAP, who might be eligible, how to apply, how is the grant amount calculated, how is money distributed.
Part 2 includes info on Crisis program eligibility requirements, grant amount, restrictions on utility shutoffs, weatherization interface, repairs to heating systems, landlord and tenant eligibility requirements, stimulus monies with LIHEAP, Pitfalls in the application process.
Click on title above to watch the program.
By: Northwestern Legal Services
PA Utility Issues - Help is Available (Video)
(Separate Website)
December 2009 - NWLS Executive Director Robert Oakley interviews Harry Geller, Esq., PA Utility Law Project, regarding utility law,utility issues, and what help is available in Pennsylvania to low-income residents in this two-part video.
Part 1 includes info on what constitutes a utility, regulated vs. unregulated utilities, the affects of removing rate caps on consumers, pre-paying advantages, conservation and energy efficiency steps, weatherization program, Act 129, reduction in usage, smart meters advantages, peak pricing, free legal help is available for information, referral, and active representation. (12:00)
Part 2 includes being aware of programs that can help, LIHEAP, Universal, LIURP program, budget billing advantages, shutoff restrictions, payment agreements, Public Utility Commission intervention and oversight, hardships and illness protections, PUC complaint process. (15:20)
By: Northwestern Legal Services
Pennsylvania Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Winter Season 2008-09 (Video)
Two-part excerpt from Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" cable access television show broadcast on Erie Cablevision (Channel 2) in Erie, PA.
NWLS Executive Director Robert Oakley interviews Harry Geller, Esq., PA Utility Law Project, regarding the Pennsylvania Low Income Home Emergency Assistance Program, 2008-09 winter season. Recorded October 8, 2008.
Part I - Eligibility Requirements, Qualifying Heating Sources, Renter's Rights to LIHEAP, and details on Cash grant component of LIHEAP. (8:14)
Part II - Details of Crisis Grant and CrisisInterface Weatherization components of LIHEAP and How to apply for LIHEAP. (20:06)
Click on title above to watch the program.
By: Northwestern Legal Services
Low-Income Telephone Assistance Programs
Information regarding telephone assistance programs that are available to low-income individuals.
By: Northwestern Legal Services
Obtaining LIHEAP in Philadelphia
(Separate Website)
Information on getting energy assistance in Philadelphia.
By: Community Legal Services
Preventing Shut Offs in Philadelphia
(Separate Website)
Information on preventing utility shutoffs.
By: Community Legal Services
Billing Disputes in Philadelphia
(Separate Website)
Information on dealing with billing disputes with your utility companies with a focus on Philadelphia.
By: Community Legal Services
Low-Income Assistance Programs (Philadelphia)
(Separate Website)
Chart showing the utility assistance programs (electric, gas, & water) available to low-income Philadelphians.
By: Community Legal Services
Landlord Tenant Packet [PDF] This is a comprehensive (31 pages) self-help packet designed to assist Central Pennsylvania tenants deal with various landlord/tenant problems. PDF Format
By: MidPenn Legal Services
Information from Bar Associations and Other Legal Organizations
Energy Assistance
(Separate Website)
Information on the Pennsylvania Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program that helps low income people pay their heating bills through energy assistance grants and emergency repair assistance.
By: Erie County Bar Association
StayWarmPA.com
(Separate Website)
Web site providing Pennsylvanians easy access to information to help them cope with record energy prices this winter. The site includes links to apply for assistance programs, information about community-based resources, and weatherization and energy conservation tips.
By: Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania
Heating Assistance/LIHEAP
(Separate Website)
Information regarding the Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) program in Pennsylvania, how to apply, program dates, as well as the income limits for this program.
By: Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act
(Separate Website)
This new law changed rules that apply to cash deposits; reconnection of service; termination of service; payment arrangements; and the filing of termination complaints by consumers for electric, gas and water. This fact sheet from the PA Public Utility Commission is designed to provide you with very important information regarding how the new Act affects you and your utility service.
By: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Consumer Publications from the Public Utility Commission
(Separate Website)
Many publications including Electric Choice, Facts About Choosing a Natural Gas Supplier, Consumer's Guide to Choosing Local Telephone Service, FAQs for Electric and Natural Gas Customers on Limited Incomes, Worksheet for Choosing an Electric Supplier, Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Utility Consumer, and more.
By: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Eneregy and Money at Home
(Separate Website)
This site provides easy, practical solutions for saving energy throughout your home, from the insulating system that surrounds it to the appliances and lights inside.
By: U.S. Dept of Energy
PA Utility Choice Program
(Separate Website)
Pa Utility Choice Program helps to educate Pennsylvania consumers about the benefits of competition when it comes to choosing utility companies (local phone carrier, natural gas supplier and electricity supplier).
By: PA Utility Choice
Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate
(Separate Website)
The Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) is a state agency that represents the interests of Pennsylvania utility consumers before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), federal regulatory agencies, and state and federal courts. The OCA was created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1976 and is an independent office within the Office of Attorney General.
By: Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate
Tips for Participating at Public Input Hearings
(Separate Website)
Guide for consumers when planning to speak at public hearings.
By: Pennsylvania Office of the Consumer Advocate
Free Safelink Wireless Phone and Plan for Low-income Pennsylvanians
(Separate Website)
Through SafeLink Wireless Lifetime Services provide a free wireless phone and cellular plan for qualifying Pennsylvanians. Services are available in many, but not all, areas of Pennsylvania. Household income at or below 135% of FPG.
By: Northwestern Legal Services
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PALawHELP.org is provided as a public service by the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Legal Services Corporation.
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