PITTSBURGH -- The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the state’s program to help low-income families pay for their heating bills, has started accepting applications.

On Wednesday, state officials kicked off the program with former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris.

"The money is theirs. Please use it," said Harris. "If they don't, it just goes away. Also, we want to tell people, especially if it's their first time, people applying for LIHEAP, it's nothing to feel bad about."

Harris helps people sign up for the program, and rallies for supporters.

Income guidelines for the program were changed this year. A family of four with an annual income of up to $44,443 now qualifies for help. The minimum cash grant amount was also raised to $300.

Last year, nearly 541,000 families were helped through LIHEAP.

Applications are available at county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies.

"There's always a large volume of people in the first week or two in November coming in to apply for our program," said Sally Petrilli of the Allegheny County Crisis Program.

There were reports that some people looking to apply for program were turned away, but the county said no one is ever denied an application. However, there is a space issue for those waiting to get an application.

"We try to put people in seats. When those seats are full, unfortunately, sometimes it's all the people we can see for the day," said Petrilli.

The county says clients can always return later or sign up for the next day. There is also a phone application hot 2 words line and four field offices that see a maximum of about 40 clients a day.

The program opened on Nov. 3 and lasts until March 31.

For more information, visit www.DPW.State.PA.US/servicesprograms/LIHEAP/.