HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — More grant money is available for the hundreds of thousands low-income families that are seeking help paying for winter heat in Pennsylvania.

State officials said Thursday that there is now more money for both cash grants and crisis grants through the federally funded LIHEAP program.

The amount of the cash grants to help pay winter heating bills for the most vulnerable families is being increased by $100 to an average of $426 for the current season.

Also, many families will be eligible to receive an additional crisis grant, up to a maximum of $400. Crisis grants can help a family afford a heating emergency, such as a fuel shortage, a furnace breakdown or a utility termination.