WASHINGTON —

The government shutdown is expected to delay critical energy assistance that helps families stay warm as the temperature drops.

It could further strain many of the same families who rely on SNAP grocery benefits , which are also facing disruptions.

In fiscal year 2024, nearly 6 million households used the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly referred to as LIHEAP, to help pay their bills, according to our Get the Facts Data Team's analysis of government data.

The analysis found that average heating benefits per household differed from state to state, ranging from $1,487 in Alaska to $118 in Arkansas.

The government shutdown is expected to push back the delivery of that aid, at a time when many families are bracing for higher costs.

Mark Wolfe, execut

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