MOUNT CARMEL -- State Rep. Robert E. Belfanti Jr., D-107 of Mount Carmel, said expanded federal and state funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program means more local families will qualify for help heating their homes this winter.

"More individuals and families are going to need help paying their heating bill this year," Belfanti said. "That's why taking action to get more people qualified was so important. A cold home isn't just uncomfortable, but for many people, such as seniors, children and people with health problems, it is dangerous."

Belfanti said a total of $280 million will be available this winter for LIHEAP. The program provides eligible households with cash grants of $300 or more to help pay regular heating bills, and crisis grants of up to $800 to deal with heating emergencies, such as a broken furnace or a potential heating shutoff.

Eligibility for LIHEAP assistance is based on family size and household income. This year, a family of four earning up to about 210 percent of the federal poverty level -- or an income of up to $44,443 -- is eligible for LIHEAP.

Belfanti stressed that LIHEAP is not welfare. No lien is placed on a person's home who receives LIHEAP assistance and people do not have to miss a heating payment to qualify.

Belfanti said the expanded income guidelines will make about 450,000 Pennsylvania households eligible for LIHEAP -- about 110,000 more than last year.

"If you think you are going to struggle to pay your heating bill this winter and you might qualify for LIHEAP assistance, I urge you to look into this program," Belfanti said. "Don't risk your health and safety by going through the winter cold."

LIHEAP applications will be accepted beginning Nov. 3.

For more information about the program, where to seek LIHEAP and other heating assistance locally, and tips on reducing household heating costs are available online at www.turnsealsave.org. To inquire about LIHEAP, residents may also call their local county assistance office: Northumberland County at 988-5996 and Montour County at 849-2001.