HARTFORD, Conn. — The National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) announced the release of around $3.6 billion in delayed funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) on Friday. This program is vital for low-income families struggling to afford heating and cooling costs, particularly as winter takes hold.
The funding had been held up due to a recent federal government shutdown, which has since ended. Mark Wolfe, the executive director of NEADA, emphasized the significance of this funding, stating, This release of LIHEAP funding is essential and long overdue. Families can finally begin receiving the support they need to keep the heat on as winter begins.
Traditionally, states and tribes receive their LIHEAP allocations at the start of November, but the delay has left many households in dire situations as temperatures drop. While the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has yet to issue a formal announcement on administering these annual awards, state agencies have begun reporting receipt of award letters, allowing them to distribute assistance to those in need.
In light of rising energy prices, a bipartisan group of U.S. House members has urged HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to expedite the release of LIHEAP funds by November 30. They highlighted that with the heating season underway, timing is critical for families relying on home heating oil or propane.
Many of the households benefiting from LIHEAP also receive SNAP food benefits, meaning the delays have compounded challenges for vulnerable families looking to make ends meet. Wolfe cautioned that even with these recent funding advances, the need for support remains substantial due to escalating energy costs and high arrearages among households. Advocacy for timely and adequate funding continues as communities brace for a challenging winter.
The funding had been held up due to a recent federal government shutdown, which has since ended. Mark Wolfe, the executive director of NEADA, emphasized the significance of this funding, stating, This release of LIHEAP funding is essential and long overdue. Families can finally begin receiving the support they need to keep the heat on as winter begins.
Traditionally, states and tribes receive their LIHEAP allocations at the start of November, but the delay has left many households in dire situations as temperatures drop. While the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has yet to issue a formal announcement on administering these annual awards, state agencies have begun reporting receipt of award letters, allowing them to distribute assistance to those in need.
In light of rising energy prices, a bipartisan group of U.S. House members has urged HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to expedite the release of LIHEAP funds by November 30. They highlighted that with the heating season underway, timing is critical for families relying on home heating oil or propane.
Many of the households benefiting from LIHEAP also receive SNAP food benefits, meaning the delays have compounded challenges for vulnerable families looking to make ends meet. Wolfe cautioned that even with these recent funding advances, the need for support remains substantial due to escalating energy costs and high arrearages among households. Advocacy for timely and adequate funding continues as communities brace for a challenging winter.
