The Lancaster County Assistance Office is accepting applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low-income households to pay their heating bills through a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants.

The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company or fuel provider to be credited to the resident's bill. Grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income and fuel type. Qualifying households will receive a heating grant, which does not need to be repaid.

Community members may apply at http://www.compass.state.pa.us/compass.web/Public/CMPHome by looking under What We Offer and Other Benefits. Applications may be submitted online, or residents may download and print an application and return it to their local county assistance office. After the submission is reviewed, applicants will receive a written notice explaining their eligibility and the assistance they will receive. They should allow 30 days for a response.