Heating Aid Arrives After Shutdown Freeze

December 1, 2025

The federal government has released $3. 6 billion in funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) following a 43-day government shutdown that delayed critical winter heating aid to vulnerable households. The holdup forced several states to warn residents about potential service disruptions, with Maryland even recording its first cold-weather death of the season before funds were released.

Who is affected

Low-income households receiving LIHEAP benefits across multiple states
More than 300,000 households in Pennsylvania dependent on the program
100,000 Maryland households relying on LIHEAP
Older adults, young children, and people with disabilities
Families with medical equipment requiring electricity
Seniors and veterans
Roughly 68% of LIHEAP households who also receive nutrition assistance
A man in his 30s in Frederick County, Maryland (cold-related death victim)
State agencies in Minnesota, Kansas, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia
LIHEAP administrators nationwide

What action is being taken

The federal government has released $3.6 billion in LIHEAP funding
States are distributing the newly released funds
Agencies nationwide are working through large volumes of applications
Award letters have been sent out to states
States can now begin drawing down the funds
The District of Columbia is operating its FY26 LIHEAP structure with heating, cooling, weatherization, and crisis assistance programs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30
LIHEAP staff in the District are conducting outreach through community meetings, senior housing sites, social media, posters, and mass mailings

Why it matters

This funding is critical for vulnerable populations who face life-threatening risks during winter months without heating assistance. The delay placed low-income families in a precarious financial position, particularly those already struggling with high utility arrearages and increased energy prices. Maryland's first cold-related death of the season, along with last year's record of 75 cold-weather deaths in the state, underscores the deadly consequences when this assistance is unavailable. The situation is especially urgent for households with medical equipment requiring electricity and for the significant portion of LIHEAP recipients who also depend on other assistance programs like nutrition aid, making the shutdown's impact even more severe.

What's next

States will continue working through large volumes of pending applications
States will process the backlog of families who have been waiting for assistance since before December

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer