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Pennsylvania Residents Get Help With Gas Bill

If you're a Peoples customer in Pennsylvania, below you'll find programs to help you with your gas bill and reduce energy costs.

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Emergency Rental Assistance Program

If you lost your job or are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may qualify for rent or utility assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. 

What is covered?

ERAP helps renters with paying rent, past-due rent balances (also known as arrears), utility and home energy costs, utility and home energy cost arrears, and other housing expenses.

Rent expenses include rent, rent arrears, rental costs for trailers and trailer lots, and may include long-term housing hotels, motels, and boarding homes.

Utilities include electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash removal and energy costs, such as fuel oil.

Other expenses related to housing include but are not limited to relocation expenses, rental fees, reasonable late fees, internet services for work, home schooling, telemedicine, etc.

Do I qualify?

​Pennsylvanians can apply for themselves as tenants, or a landlord can apply on behalf of current tenant(s).

A household must be responsible to pay rent on a residential property, and:

  • One or more people within the household have qualified for unemployment benefits, had a decrease in income, had increased household costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • One or more individuals in the household can show a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; AND
  • The household has an income at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI).

​Income limits vary by county. The household's annual income must be equal to or less than 80 percent of the AMI for their county. View income limits for your county.

How do I apply?

Applications for most counties can be submitted online at www.COMPASS.state.pa.us. Allegheny County Residents should apply through the Allegheny County Emergency Rental Assistance website.

If your county is not participating in the COMPASS application, you will automatically be notified so you can apply directly with your county. If your county will not accept applications submitted through COMPASS, you can download and print an application OR get an application from your County ERAP office. County ERAP office information can be found by visiting the DHS website.

Apply Now

Information originally posted on the DHS website. 

Other Helpful Resources

  • Medical Certification - Termination Notice
    If you have a current termination notice please call 1-800-764-0111 before printing this form to learn more about the Medical Certification process.

    If your account is eligible for a Medical Certification, we will delay termination of service for up to 30 days if you or anyone living in your home is seriously ill. You must have a licensed physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner complete the Medical Certification Form.

    View medical certificate guidance and options from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

    In addition to submitting the signed Medical Certification, you must also make arrangements to pay your gas bill. Contact us with household income and occupant information and, if you are eligible, we’ll provide you with a monthly payment arrangement while maintaining protection under the Medical Certification.

    DOWNLOAD FORM

  • PA 211 Southwest

    PA 2-1-1 Southwest is a resource that connects Pennsylvania residents with community, health, and disaster services through a free, 24/7 confidential phone service. 2-1-1 is a FREE, accessible, 3-digit telephone number available to everyone. By calling 2-1-1, you will have easy access to customized health, housing, and human services information in one place. Assistance is confidential and is a great way to connect you or a loved one with community resources that can help.

    PA 2-1-1 Southwest serves the following 11 Counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington, and Westmoreland.

    PA 211 Southwest
  • PA Homeowners Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP)

    Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency's "Homeowners Energy Efficiency Loan Program" (HEELP) offers 1% APR loans up to $10,000 for specific energy efficiency repairs for low and moderate income households. The loans can pay for:

    • Air sealing, insulation, and ductwork
    • Energy-efficient windows and doors
    • Energy-efficient heating or cooling system repairs or replacements
    • Roof replacements

    For more information about HEELP, please visit the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. You can also email HOP_Energy@phfa.org and specify "HEELP" in the subject line, or call the PHFA at 800-822-1174.

    PHFA.org