CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program are experiencing a significant impact due to the government shutdown.

The Valley Opportunity Council says that they are seeing an impact on staffing capacity due to federal budget implications, despite demand for their services growing.

They are telling people to anticipate delays in processing applications and payments due to the federal government shutdown that started on October 1. The Home Energy Assistance Program will have limited funding beginning November 1st for heating emergencies only.

Typical annual benefits for fuel assistance that are not emergencies will be halted until the federal government reopens.

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network,

See Full Page