Gov’t Lays Off LIHEAP Energy Assistance Staff: What’s Next?

For more than 6 million low-income Americans, access to essential utility assistance may soon be in jeopardy. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has laid off the entire staff overseeing the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), leaving questions about how remaining funds will be distributed. The move was part of a broader reduction in force at HHS led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and its impact on vulnerable households could be severe.

LIHEAP helps low-income households afford heating and cooling costs, particularly during extreme weather conditions. With $4.1 billion allocated for fiscal year 2025, most funds have already been distributed, but $378 million meant for summer cooling and emergency aid remains unallocated. Without staff to oversee the process, millions could struggle to keep their homes safe as temperatures rise.

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Who could be affected by the LIHEAP layoffs?

LIHEAP provides vital heating and cooling assistance to approximately 6.2 million low-income households, helping them afford utility bills during extreme weather conditions. The program received $4.1 billion in funding for fiscal year 2025, but about $378 million meant for summer cooling and emergency aid remains undistributed. Without staff to oversee the allocation, there is growing concern that these funds may not reach the people who need them most.

As extreme heat becomes increasingly common during the summer months, many low-income families could be forced to endure dangerous heat this summer without utility assistance.

The funds needed to help families keep their electricity on for cooling purposes cannot be released until the government finalizes state-by-state allocations — a process now stalled indefinitely due to the layoffs.

What are the risks of this downsizing?

Without LIHEAP fund allocations, households relying on utility assistance may start feeling the following effects:

• Utility shutoffs: Many low-income households could lose access to electricity during extreme heat, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities.

• Limited protections: Only a small number states and Washington, D.C. offer some form of summer utility shutoff protections, leaving many residents vulnerable.

• Rising heat-related deaths: According to the CDC, extreme heat kills about 1,220 people each year in the U.S. (2023 saw the highest number in 45 years, 2,300). Experts fear this number could climb even higher if people are left without access to cooling.

• Increased burden on emergency services: Hospitals and shelters may experience an influx of individuals suffering from heat-related conditions if cooling assistance is unavailable.

What do you do if you lose LIHEAP benefits?

If LIHEAP assistance is delayed or unavailable, there are still other options for getting help with utility bills:

State and local programs

Some states have independent energy assistance programs that may provide emergency funding. Contact your state’s public utility commission or local social services department to check eligibility.

States with some form of summer utility shut-off protections include:

• Arizona: Utilizes a date-based moratorium from June 1 to Oct. 15.

Utility company assistance programs

Many power companies offer hardship programs, budget billing, or flexible payment plans to help low-income customers with their energy bills. Here are some of the largest utility company-specific assistance programs:

• Duke Energy - Share the Warmth, Cooling Assistance, and Fan-Heat Relief Programs – Offers bill payment assistance and cooling/heating programs for eligible customers.

• Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) - Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) – Provides one-time financial assistance to income-qualified customers in California.

• Southern California Edison (SCE) - Energy Assistance Fund (EAF) – Offers help with electricity bills for eligible low-income households.

• Florida Power & Light (FPL) - Care to Share – Provides emergency financial assistance to customers struggling to pay their electric bills.

• Xcel Energy - Energy Assistance Programs – Works with local agencies to help customers in need with bill payment assistance.

• American Electric Power (AEP) - Neighbor to Neighbor Program – Provides financial assistance to AEP customers facing hardship.

• Dominion Energy - EnergyShare – Offers bill payment assistance and weatherization services to income-qualified households.

• Con Edison - Energy Affordability Program – Helps New York customers lower their bills based on income eligibility.

• Pepco - Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) – Assists customers in Washington, D.C., and Maryland with winter heating costs.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

The federal Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income households make their homes more energy-efficient, reducing overall utility costs.

Nonprofit assistance

Organizations like the Salvation Army, United Way (call 211 for local resources), and Catholic Charities may provide emergency financial assistance for energy bills.

Cooling centers

In extreme heat, many cities and counties set up cooling centers where residents can escape dangerous temperatures for free.

Advocacy and legal aid

If you face an imminent utility shutoff, legal aid organizations in your area may help you challenge the decision or negotiate with your provider.

What’s next for LIHEAP?

Advocacy groups and lawmakers are calling on HHS to reinstate LIHEAP staff or find an immediate solution to ensure the remaining funds are distributed. With summer approaching, pressure is mounting to address the issue before millions of Americans are left sweltering in the heat.

As the situation develops, those affected are encouraged to seek alternative assistance and urge their representatives to take action to restore LIHEAP’s operations.