MANCHESTER, N.H. —

With the federal government shutdown now the longest in U.S. history, many households are starting to feel the effects.

One major impact is the delay in delivering critical energy assistance that helps families stay warm as winter approaches.

States typically receive these funds from the federal government in early November, but that process is currently on hold.

In New Hampshire, the Department of Energy said home heating assistance is protected for now.

The state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, has enough funds to carry it through December. However, households in other states may not have that security.

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In New Hampshire, about 20.9% of income-eligible hou

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