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Fewer PA SSI Recipients Get Money for Heating Bill This Year

Proof of Supplemental Security Income is known for obtaining certain additional benefits for recipients. The assistance you receive when you show your evidence of having qualified can vary depending on your state.

In Pennsylvania, one of the benefits SSI recipients might notice is help paying heating bills through a program called Low-Income Home Energy Assistance. Despite all the good the program can do, it has not affected everyone as positively as one would hope.

According to the Pocono Record, some Monroe County residents who qualify for the program still have not received help with their heating bills, or perhaps just recently did. The program started in November, which means that some eligible applicants have been waiting over a month for either an answer or a check.

A wait is expected, as this year experienced almost double the number of households applying for the program. However, the amount the program paid out this year for heating bills is not even one third of what was paid last year. Fewer families have been helped overall this year, and many have not even received a reason why.

Applicants are instructed to call a hotline, after which they will receive a letter in the mail to inform them whether or not they qualify for the program. Anyone who lives in an area where it snows in the fall or winter can likely imagine how long each day of waiting can seem when you are expecting money to pay the heating bill at any minute.

Perhaps you live in the area and cannot even apply because you are still waiting to hear back regarding your SSI application. If that is the case, the long wait period to get an answer from the SSA is not only preventing you from obtaining your monthly benefits, but it is also obstructing you from obtaining extra benefits like this one. If you have questions about your SSI application, contact your lawyer immediately to find out how to get answers.

If you or your loved one are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The disability lawyers at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.