Federal LIHEAP funding delay has winter fuel support on hold

PLATTSBURGH | Social services personnel at state, county and town levels are battling ambiguity with payment delays from the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). While many agency leaders provided no new information about application dates, Warren County Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Christina Mastrianni said opening for this year's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) remains delayed until further notice from the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). "This is due to the lack of funding from the federal government. We understand the significant impact this may have on families that rely on this program. Households in Warren County lacking resources and facing a heat-related emergency should reach out to the Department of Social Services to apply for emergency assistance." The delay has significantly increased the need for emergency assistance, she said Nov. 24. "Since 11/1, we received approximately 80 emergency applications, which have otherwise been met in previous years by the issuance of HEAP benefits. "We encourage affected households to stay informed about program updates and explore alternative resources available to them during this time. It is essential for families to prioritize their safety while heating their homes." Residents can call DSS for further information. In Warren County, contact, 518-761-6338 and online users can visit Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) | OTDA." LIHEAP is managed under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). It sends funding to state agencies, which then disburse resources to help low-income Americans heat homes in winter and cool them in summer. In New York, allocated funds are paid through HEAP directly to utility or fuel providers. Qualifications are evaluated through a formal application process. The federal spending allocation for 2025 was $4,115,508,197. A slightly larger amount was budgeted for 2026. DELAY Established in 1981, LIHEAP has a long history of bipartisan support. Federal resources are usually appropriated by Congress in September with funding awards for HEAP sent to states in October. Based on that timeline, New York planned to open the 2026 HEAP application window on Nov. 3. Amidst budget gridlock and a 43-day government shutdown, the funding calendar shifted. HHS said it would work "swiftly" to administer the grants after the government reopened Nov. 12. But the situation may be complicated by lack of federal staffing. The White House's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and HHS fired the entire staff at LIHEAP last April. There were reportedly about 25 people in a division tasked with calculating and disbursing LIHEAP funds. The U.S. government cited "mistakes" made in workforce reduction and some personnel were rehired, temporarily. It's not clear that anyone works in the D.C. office now. Staff contact information available on LIHEAP's Division of Energy Assistance website reroutes queries to a Resource Mailbox, as of April 23, 2025. On Oct. 21, state lawmakers in Pennsylvania passed a resolution urging the federal government to reinstate LIHEAP employees and fully fund heating assistance. Federal lawmakers presented legislation to preserve federal staffing at LIHEAP. In June, U.S. Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY17) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ5) introduced the "LIHEAP Staffing Support Act" to guarantee a workforce of at least 20 personnel in the federal program. The measure has not moved out of committee. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), which represents state LIHEAP directors, federal LIHEAP staff have not been re-hired. "States are expected to run their programs with no federal training or guidance, and without HHS staff, the potential remains for future delays in funding. "As we emerge from the 43-day federal government shutdown, despite the Administration's proposal to eliminate the program," NEADA said, "HHS has committed to releasing 90 percent of LIHEAP funds ($3.6B + $100M from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) by the end of November." Heating costs are expected to soar this winter as consumers face new rounds of rate increases, the director's association said. BIPARTISAN SUPPORT At the Clinton County government center dedication in August, The Sun asked Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY21) where LIHEAP funding stood in budget proceedings. "I've been proud to support LIHEAP consistently since I've been in Congress," she said in a video interview. "That is something we are going to work through the appropriations process in September, and it has always been a priority for me just given how important it is for this district, obviously with very cold winters. "We are focused on strengthening LIHEAP," she said. "It's very important for northeastern districts, particularly the North Country. I've been a longtime advocate for LIHEAP." The Sun reached out to Stefanik's office for an update on Nov. 24, and asked how many employees work in the LIHEAP office, but have not received a response. Most people who receive LIHEAP make $23,000 per year, Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) said in addressing the U.S. Senate Nov. 21. "This is the call to the Trump administration. Do your job. Secretary Kennedy has a legal responsibility to disperse the current LIHEAP funding, and it's illegal for him to withhold those funds as well as really pretty cruel. "The reality is that, this summer, we in Congress came together on a bipartisan basis to increase and to pass the $4 billion in funding for the program. And again, I emphasize it's not a red state, blue state deal. It's not a Republican Democratic deal. It's a person who's in a home, doesn't have money and is cold. That's what it's about." WHERE'S THE MONEY Gov. Kathy Hochul and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY20) last week issued a joint statement demanding that the Trump Administration release $400 million in federal funds allocated for HEAP. They said 1.5 million New York residents rely on the support to help heat their homes in winter. New York sees the highest HEAP use per capita in the country. "New York State will be ready to open the program for applications on November 24, but it will only be possible to start accepting applications if the federal government has provided the funds," the governor said in the release. There was no update as of Nov. 24. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference Nov. 20 demanding the same. "As energy prices rise and temperatures drop, the Trump administration is leaving New Yorkers out in the cold by refusing to release LIHEAP funding," she said. Legislative accord ended the government shutdown with funding for LIHEAP, Gillibrand said. "However, the Trump administration still has not released the $4 billion in federal funding ... delaying New York's ability to open applications and begin distributing the funds." As of Nov. 24, there has been no update from the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), which manages HEAP in New York. Access to apply for heating assistance remains delayed until further notice, the website says. Officials from social service agencies in Clinton and Essex counties did not return phone calls from the Sun seeking updates on HEAP resources. OTDA did not respond to request for comment. According to OTDA data shared by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, in 2024 there were 11,340 HEAP beneficiaries in Clinton County, supported with a total $7,885,342. In Essex County, 3,283 households were supported with a total $2,379,165. In Warren County, 14,004 households were supported with a total $3,346,390. Resources include various HEAP programs, including weatherization, fuel and emergency heating/cooling equipment repairs. For more information about Temporary Assistance for heating, contact the county's department of social services or call the toll-free OTDA Hotline: 1-800-342-3009.

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Federal LIHEAP funding delay has winter fuel support on hold

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