The US federal government has at last disbursed approximately $3.6 billion in delayed funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a critical move as winter tightens its grip across the nation.
Essential Relief After Government Shutdown
According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), the long-awaited funds were released to states and tribes on Friday, 28 November 2025. The distribution of this vital assistance, which helps millions of low-income families afford heating and cooling, had been stalled by the recent federal government shutdown, which concluded on 12 November.
Mark Wolfe, the executive director of NEADA, stated that this action was both essential and long overdue. He confirmed that state agencies have now received their official award letters from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), allowing them to begin distributing the support to households in need.
Political Pressure and Household Impact
The delay prompted a bipartisan group of US House members to send a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the Monday prior, urging the release of the LIHEAP funds by 30 November. They emphasised that with the heating season already underway, there was no time to waste, particularly for households relying on home heating oil or propane, which are not covered by winter utility shutoff moratoriums.
Wolfe highlighted the compounded strain on vulnerable families, noting that roughly 68% of LIHEAP households also receive SNAP food benefits. Delays in both programmes during the shutdown had placed many in an even more precarious financial situation.
Ongoing Need Amidst High Energy Prices
While the release of the funds is welcome news, Wolfe cautioned that the need for assistance remains enormous. He pointed to persistently high energy prices and the fact that utility arrearages are still near record highs, indicating that the financial pressure on low-income families is far from over.
Despite the resolution, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has not yet made a formal public announcement regarding the resumption of funding. After the shutdown ended, the department had stated one of its agencies would work swiftly to administer the awards, placing blame for the initial delay on congressional Democrats.
