From a reduction in food benefits to delayed paychecks for federal workers, the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history is forcing some Long Islanders to dig deeper into their pockets.

The impasse of more than 35 days and counting has caused disruptions to air travel with delays due to a shortage of air traffic controllers, workers missing paychecks and safety net programs running out of money. Several nonprofits, companies and other organizations are helping people fill the gap — by hosting food distributions, offering bill credit and giving guidance.

Here are three ways to get key assistance during the stalemate:

Heating bills

A federal program that helped 70,000 Long Island households with heat and cooling bills last year is not accepting applications for the 2025-26 se

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