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 heating costs this winter could leave many struggling to pay utility bills.
• 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 in fiscal year 2025 was $467, 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 energy expenses amid 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 projected to reach nearly $2,627 this winter, more than double the average LIHEAP benefit.
• States vary in LIHEAP participation and benefit levels, with New York having the highest share of households receiving assistance and Alaska providing the largest average benefit per household.