As colder weather settles in, a federal shutdown is delaying the launch of New York’s heat assistance program, leaving many low-income households in limbo.

Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, were expected to open Monday. But the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is delaying applications until at least Nov. 17, citing stalled federal funding.

HEAP is one of several government aid programs, including food stamps, that could soon be affected if the shutdown drags on. The program provided nearly $400 million in heating assistance to 1.8 million residents statewide last year, according to the state comptroller. About a million of those recipients were in New York City.

The delay is already forcing some families to make difficult decis

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