Overview
- States say they can often accept LIHEAP/HEAP applications but cannot issue payments until the government reopens, and NEADA warns disbursements could slip to early January due to federal processing lags after staff layoffs.
- Pennsylvania secured utility commitments to prevent November shutoffs for LIHEAP‑eligible households, with officials urging residents to apply and contact providers about payment options.
- New York’s HEAP funds are described as “delayed indefinitely,” while Long Island faces higher winter costs, including a projected 10.7% rise in average gas‑heating bills and higher heating‑oil prices.
- New Hampshire reports enough carryover to sustain LIHEAP through December, but local agencies elsewhere, including Knoxville’s CAC, say remaining funds could be exhausted within days.
- Energy assistance directors are pressing utilities to pause disconnections, noting that customers relying on heating oil or propane lack similar protections and are at greater risk.