LIHEAP Funds Released After Weeks of Delay as States and the District Rush to Protect Households from the Cold

December 10, 2025

The federal government has released $3. 6 billion in funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) after a 43-day delay caused by a government shutdown that left states scrambling to help vulnerable households prepare for winter. The funding gap forced several states to issue warnings about potential service disruptions and caused Maryland's governor to deploy $10.

Who is affected

Low-income households that rely on LIHEAP for heating and cooling assistance
More than 300,000 households in Pennsylvania that depend on the program annually
100,000 Maryland households that use LIHEAP benefits
Older adults, young children, and people with disabilities identified as highest-risk groups
Families dependent on medical equipment requiring electricity
Seniors and veterans specifically mentioned as vulnerable populations
Approximately 68 percent of LIHEAP households who also receive nutrition assistance
A man in his 30s in Frederick County, Maryland, who died from cold exposure
State agencies in Minnesota, Kansas, New York, and Pennsylvania
LIHEAP administrators and staff processing applications

What action is being taken

The federal government is releasing $3.6 billion in LIHEAP funding
Award letters have been sent out to states
States are beginning to draw down the federal funds
Agencies nationwide are distributing the newly released funds
States are working through large volumes of applications
The District of Columbia is operating its FY26 LIHEAP structure with heating assistance, cooling assistance, weatherization, and year-round crisis assistance
LIHEAP staff in D.C. are conducting outreach through community meetings, senior housing sites, social media, posters, and mass mailings

Why it matters

LIHEAP funding is essential for millions of vulnerable low-income households to afford basic heating and cooling services during extreme weather conditions. The program serves populations at highest risk of health emergencies and death from temperature exposure, including elderly residents, young children, people with disabilities, and those dependent on electrically-powered medical equipment. The delay highlighted the precarious financial situation many families face, as rising utility costs and high arrearages have created substantial household debt, and most LIHEAP recipients simultaneously depend on multiple federal assistance programs. Cold-related deaths, such as Maryland's 75 fatalities last winter (the highest in five years), demonstrate the life-or-death consequences when this funding is delayed, making timely disbursement critical for public health and safety during winter months.

What's next

States are beginning to draw down funds and distribute assistance to applicants. Agencies continue processing large volumes of pending applications that accumulated during the 43-day delay.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint