As the government shutdown nears its fourth week, some states have delayed opening applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a function of the Department of Health and Human Services intended to help low-income Americans afford utilities.

In most states, applications typically open within October and November in anticipation of winter and an increased need for heating. Already, Pennsylvania officials announced they would delay applications until December due to the lapse in federal funding.

In a statement to KBIA, the Missouri Department of Social Services said those delays are not likely to happen in Missouri in the foreseeable future.

While each state administers LIHEAP benefits differently, it's common for programs to reserve funding into the next fiscal year.

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