LIHEAP Season Delayed At Least 30 Days
On October 22, the PA Department of Human Services (DHS) made the following announcement regarding the 2025 – 2026 LIHEAP Season, which was set to begin on November 3.
Due to the federal government shutdown and lack of federal funding, the 2025-2026 LIHEAP season opening is delayed until December 3, 2025, contingent on the availability of federal funding. If the federal government does not reopen or funding is not released to states, Pennsylvania will be unable to begin the LIHEAP season until funding is received.
LIHEAP Cash preseason applications are still being accepted, but payments and notices will not be sent until the federal shutdown ends. Regular LIHEAP Cash and Crisis applications will not be accepted until the season opens. Please do not encourage the public to submit applications prior to the date on which the LIHEAP season opens.
We appreciate your patience as we deal with the federal government shutdown and will continue to do what we can to protect important programs like LIHEAP. We will send updates on the shutdown and LIHEAP as we acquire information.
Pennsylvania typically receives $220 million to fund the program, which is appropriated through Congress which is currently on hold due to the Federal Government shutdown. Over 60,000 Pennsylvania households participate in LIHEAP and rely on deliverable fuels (heating oil and propane) during the winter months. The PPA is urging our members to contact members of Congress to express the importance of LIHEAP for both your customers and your business. Please use the following to send a pre-written message to Congressional leadership.
