As winter approaches, federal funding delays tied to the ongoing government shutdown are threatening heating assistance for millions of low-income Americans.
Nearly six million households rely on the $4.1 billion Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps vulnerable families cover heating costs during the cold months.
Now in its fifth week, the shutdown has stalled the release of program funds, leaving state officials warning of potential disruptions as temperatures continue to fall.
Several states have said that the delay could affect households that depend on the aid to stay warm.
In Philadelphia, 74-year-old Jacqueline Chapman, a retired school aide, said she is among those directly affected.
Chapman, who receives $630 a month in Social Security benefits, told Boston’s WCBB5 that she recently lost access to her food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and has now been told her heating assistance may also be at risk.
“I feel like I’m living in scary time,” Chapman said. “It’s not easy to rest when you know you have things to do with limited accounts, limited funds. There isn’t too much you can do.”
The federal court system has begun addressing some of these funding gaps.
On Friday, a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to partially fund SNAP benefits with existing reserve money, providing temporary relief to approximately 42 million Americans who depend on the program for food assistance.
Still, agencies responsible for administering LIHEAP and SNAP say the situation remains urgent.
Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), said that if the standoff in Washington continues, many families could face immediate consequences.
“The impact, even if it’s temporary, on many of the nation’s poor families is going to be profound if we don’t solve this problem,” Wolfe said.
His organization represents state directors who oversee LIHEAP funding across the country.
“These are important income supports that are all potentially heading toward a cliff at the same time,” Wolfe added.
“And I can’t point to a similar time in recent history where we’ve had this.”
The delays come as energy costs continue to rise nationwide. Wolfe told USA Today that both electricity and natural gas prices have increased sharply, adding pressure to household budgets already stretched by inflation.
According to NEADA data, about 21 million households—roughly one in six across the country—are currently behind on their energy bills.
The group also reported that since late 2023, household energy costs have risen by about 31 percent on average, leaving many families in a precarious position as the winter months begin.
“The situation is really grim regarding (rising energy) pricing and availability of LIHEAP funds,” Wolfe told USA Today.
“Even if all goes well now, the earliest we will see funds will be December.”
The administration has not announced an updated timeline for when states can expect full funding for LIHEAP to resume.
For now, states are continuing to process applications with limited resources as the funding impasse persists.
Officials have said that once Congress reaches an agreement to reopen the government, the Department of Health and Human Services will prioritize resuming LIHEAP payments to participating states.
Until then, many low-income families face uncertainty as winter sets in and utility bills continue to rise.
