Millions of households are now being told they won’t see up to $1,000 in crisis energy assistance until December, as multiple states report delays in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) following the recent federal government shutdown.
What Is LIHEAP?
LIHEAP is a federal program designed to help low-income households manage essential home energy costs. The program sends funding to states, which then assist eligible families with:
- Heating and cooling bills
- Energy emergencies, such as utility shutoffs or fuel shortages
- Limited weatherization and minor home repairs that improve energy efficiency
LIHEAP does not pay all of a household’s utility costs, but it can significantly ease the burden for families struggling with high energy bills. In the 2023 fiscal year, LIHEAP helped 5.9 million households with their energy expenses, according to HHS.
Eligibility rules are set by each state, but in general, people may qualify if they:
- Have low incomes, often at or below a percentage of the federal poverty level (commonly around 150% of FPL, though some states allow higher thresholds)
- Face high energy burdens, meaning a large share of their income goes to heating or cooling
- Are part of a vulnerable household, including:
- Older adults
- People with disabilities
- Families with young children
- Are dealing with an energy emergency, such as a shutoff notice or a fuel shortage
How the Shutdown Is Delaying LIHEAP Payments
Several states say the federal shutdown has slowed the release of LIHEAP funds, pushing back when families can actually receive help.
Pennsylvania’s official state website explains:
“Due to the federal government shutdown and lack of federal funding, the 2025-2026 LIHEAP season opening is delayed until December 3, 2025, contingent on availability of federal funding.”
In Minnesota, Nancy Linden, director of the Energy Assistance Program at the state’s Department of Commerce, said the state normally receives its LIHEAP funding in early November.
“It’s about four weeks from when Congress approves funding to when the money reaches states,” Linden said, according to The Minnesota Daily. “Because they didn’t have a budget in place, that pushes everything back. Our concern is we might not see funding until mid-December.”
Georgia has also reported similar delays.
Meanwhile, senators from New York, Rhode Island, Maine and Alaska sent a letter on November 20 to HHS urging the agency to move quickly on releasing funds.
“As the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, LIHEAP provides critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months,” the letter states.
“As state agencies and tribes activate their LIHEAP programs for the coming winter, it is crucial that they have the resources on hand to help low-income households and seniors as soon as possible. As such, we request that you quickly release LIHEAP funds at the highest level possible, so that low-income households do not have to choose between paying for heat and affording other necessities like food or medicine.”
