Overview
- ACF has halted new LIHEAP grants during the shutdown, stopping the usual early‑November release of state block funds and postponing benefits for low‑income households.
- States report mixed stopgaps: Pennsylvania pushed its program start to December, New York called HEAP funding delayed indefinitely, and New Hampshire expects carryover to last through December, while Alaska and Massachusetts offer limited emergency aid.
- Pennsylvania officials secured utility commitments to prevent November shutoffs for LIHEAP‑eligible customers, with regulators urging residents to apply and contact providers to set up assistance plans.
- Community agencies warn local carryover is nearly exhausted, with Knoxville’s CAC continuing to take applications but unable to commit payments and cautioning that some households could face service loss.
- Rising winter energy costs heighten pressure as Long Island natural gas bills are projected to jump about 10.7% and heating‑oil prices climb, and earlier federal LIHEAP staff layoffs could slow grant processing into December or January after a reopening.