HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services announced that the start of the state's federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, will be delayed one month until Dec. 3, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The delay stems from the state’s failure to receive its anticipated federal allocation for the 2025-26 LIHEAP season. The program was originally scheduled to begin accepting applications on Nov. 3.

LIHEAP is a federal program administered by the Department of Human Services that assists eligible Pennsylvanians with home heating bills during winter. Annually, Pennsylvania receives more than $215 million for LIHEAP; the commonwealth received $229 million in 2024 and $216 million in 2023.

State officials said Pennsylvania cann

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