Millions of Americans could lose almost $1,000 in energy relief payments that are supposed to help them heat their homes this winter. How could this be possible? Well, I’m sure you’ve heard about the U.S. government shutdown, right? This is basically the reason why Americans could lose that money. It’s the second longest shutdown in the history of the country! So, let’s find out more about this horrible news.
What’s happening with the Energy Relief program?
New York governor, Kathy Hochul, warned about the government shutdown affecting the funds needed for theHome Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This program helps millions of American families with low income to pay heat or energy bills during winter months. Last year, HEAP sent more than $287 to 1.5 million homes in the entire state of New York.
However, this year things have changed, and not in a good way. Authorities explained that, since there’s no federal budget approved or temporary agreement to keep the government functioning, there’s no money available to open the program in the new winter season.
The first payments should be sent in the middle of November, but now everything has been indefinitely delayed.
U.S. government shutdown
This situation started on October 1, and the reason is because the Congress didn’t pass a new budget. Republicans proposed keeping the government functioning until November 21, but Democrats blocked the proposal because it included health programs cuts, like Medicaid.
Since then, the Congress has tried 12 times to reach an agreement to reopen the government, but nothing has worked. Due to this disagreement, many federal programs are being left with no funds, which affects millions of Americans who are waiting for the benefits they need to live (like help for energy, food, and other basic expenses).
How does the HEAP program work?
This program gives money to families once a year to help them pay for heat or air conditioning. The amount of money they receive depend on:
- Income level
- Household size
- Type of heating source
- Whether the home includes a vulnerable person, such as: someone 60 years or older, a child under 6, or a person with a permanent disability.
In 2024, the maximum payment was $996. For example, families whose main heating source is oil, propane, or kerosene could receive payments of more than $900. Then, the minimum benefit started at $21 for households in government-subsidized housing or group homes. If a household’s income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, they receive an extra $61 on top of the base benefit.
What does the Heap program cover?
This program covers different sources of energy, let’s have a look:
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Coal
- Propane
- Wood or wood pellets
- Kerosene
- Corn (as a biofuel source)
The goal of this is that Americans can keep their homes warm and safe during winter, mostly when energy prices are going up.
Delays
Normally, HEAP applications open at the beginning of November, but the government shutdown has paused everything. The office in charge of the program warned local departments of social services to not open applications for now. The company National Grid reported that they might open applications on November 17, but there’s nothing official yet. The state government said it will report updates as soon as there’s a definite date.
Other programs with no funds
Unfortunately, HEAP is not the only program affected by the government shutdown. There are other important benefits, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that help millions of Americans buy food, are also being left with no funds for November.
This means that many families will face a difficult winter, without being able to heat their homes and put food on the table.
What this means for Americans
The government shutdown is creating real problems for millions of Americans and until the Congress achieves an agreement, those who depend on that benefit will be still waiting with a lot of concern and worry. This is not fair, so we hope this situation is solved as soon as possible and families can live an easier winter.