LOCK HAVEN — With fall here and temperatures continuing to lower, many in need of assistance in heating their homes this cold season might not receive the help they need as quickly as usual.

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which is inching towards 30 days, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced this week its Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season will be delayed until December.

According to information in a press release from DHS, LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by the department where benefits are distributed directly to a household’s utility company or home heating fuel provider on behalf of qualified Pennsylvanians who need help paying their home heating bills during winter months.

According to DHS, on average, the Commonwealth receives more than $215 million every year for LIHEAP. In 2023, the state received $216 million and in 2024, $229 million.

DHS says the state, which hasn’t passed its own budget, cannot absorb the costs associated with the program.

Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh urged Congress to act now and pass a budget.

“The LIHEAP Program helps more than 300,000 Pennsylvania families heat their homes during the colder months — and is especially critical for older adults and low-income families. Inaction from the Republican-controlled Congress now threatens access to this assistance,” said Arkoosh. “I urge Congress and the White House to recognize the serious consequences that limiting heating assistance will have on the health and safety of people in Pennsylvania. Congress must come together for a solution that protects people most at risk.”

Once the federal shutdown ends and DHS receives the funding needed to begin the LIHEAP season, DHS will start accepting LIHEAP applications, the release said. DHS will continue to process already-received preseason applications for LIHEAP and other benefits during the shutdown. In both cases, payments are on hold until federal funding is released to Pennsylvania.

Many electric and gas companies also offer utility assistance programs for qualifying customers, and these programs are available in addition to LIHEAP.

Additionally, Pennsylvania’s annual winter utility shutoff moratorium runs from Dec. 1 through March 31 and prevents utilities — including electricity and gas-related services — from being shut off for customers of regulated utility companies at or below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

While this moratorium will prevent utility shutoffs during the coldest months of the year, it does not cancel a customer’s outstanding home heating bills, so LIHEAP funding is still necessary for individuals who need home heating assistance, the release said.

For immediate needs during the shutdown, Pennsylvanians can use PA Navigate pa-navigate.org/ to help find resources. Local help is also available by calling 211 or visiting www.pa211.org.