The start of Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been delayed until at least Dec. 3 because of the ongoing federal government shutdown.
State officials said the Department of Human Services cannot distribute benefits without federal funding, which has yet to be released. LIHEAP, which helps more than 300,000 low-income families cover home heating costs, was originally scheduled to open Nov. 3. While applications will still be processed, payments cannot be issued until funding resumes.
The state’s winter utility shutoff moratorium will still begin Dec. 1.
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