LIHEAP heat benefits may fall short as home energy costs rise

Key Points:

• Nearly 5 million U.S. households receive heating assistance through LIHEAP, but rising energy costs this winter could leave many struggling to pay heating bills and other essentials.
• The average U.S. household is projected to spend $1,030 on heating this winter, an $82 increase from last year, while the average LIHEAP benefit was $467 in fiscal year 2025, potentially leaving families to cover over $500 in additional costs.
• NEADA is urging Congress to increase LIHEAP funding from $4 billion to $7 billion to help families manage rising home-energy expenses amid ongoing global oil supply disruptions and high crude oil prices.
• Households relying on heating oil, especially in the Northeast, face the steepest cost increases, with heating oil expenses expected to rise by 50% due to the Middle East conflict, leading to projected heating costs of nearly $2,627 this winter.
• States vary in LIHEAP participation and benefits, with New York having the highest share of households receiving aid (14%) and Alaska providing the highest average benefit per household ($1,554), reflecting regional heating needs and fuel types.