Summary
Payments from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are delayed in some states due to a federal government shutdown. This delay affects people who rely on these payments to help cover their heating costs. States are handling the situation differently, with some using leftover funds, but many states can't fully cover the delays.
Key Facts
- LIHEAP helps low-income households with energy bills.
- The program's funding is stalled because of a federal government shutdown.
- States like Kansas, Pennsylvania, and New York have warned of delays in payments.
- Minnesota expects a month-long delay in distributing LIHEAP benefits.
- Some states, like Alaska and Massachusetts, are using leftover funds from previous years.
- Connecticut plans to use state funds to cover heating costs temporarily.
- Rising energy and food prices are increasing financial pressure on families.
- States may ask utility companies to delay cutting off services for non-payment.
