Low-Income Families Bracing for Winter Amid Funding Delays

Mon Nov 03 2025 02:15:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As temperatures drop, millions of low-income families across the U.S. are faced with uncertainty as funding for vital heating assistance programs is delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown. Retirees like Jacqueline Chapman share their struggles in securing essential support.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides critical heating assistance to low-income households, experiences funding delays due to the federal government shutdown. Many families, including retirees, face the prospect of inadequate heating support as the winter approaches. With multiple states announcing disruptions, there are predictions of profound impacts on vulnerable populations if the funding issue isn't resolved soon.

With winter weather fast approaching, Jacqueline Chapman, a retired school aide from Philadelphia, finds herself facing a lack of financial resources as the funding for essential heating assistance programs hangs in the balance. Chapman, who relies on a $630 monthly Social Security check, expressed her fears about securing proper heating and grappling with the loss of food aid benefits.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides $4.1 billion to help families cope with heating and cooling expenses, is experiencing significant funding delays exacerbated by a federal government shutdown that has now extended into its fifth week. This uncertainty is being felt nationwide, as temperatures begin to drop in many regions.

Amidst financial struggles, Chapman highlighted, I feel like I’m living in scary times. It’s not easy to rest when you know you have things to do with limited accounts, limited funds.” She is just one of the millions waiting for essential support, as communities brace for a potentially harsh winter.

Mark Wolfe, the executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, warned that the situation could escalate into a crisis for low-income families who depend on these resources. Many states, including Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and New York, have started warning beneficiaries about impending delays in assistance, hindering applications and slowing down access to funds.

Chapman is not alone; numerous recipients of LIHEAP face similar challenges. Many rely on heating oil, propane, and other deliverable fuels for their heating needs, which complicates their access to timely help. Utilities may halt services for non-payment, and without federal help, families are left anxious about heat for the winter months.

The impact, even if it’s temporary, on many of the nation’s poor families is going to be profound if we don’t solve this problem,” Wolfe added, urging Congress to act. As low-income families prepare for what may be a frigid winter, the looming question remains: will they receive the assistance they desperately need?