READING, Pa. - United Way of Berks County President Tammy White says the situation has become “a perfect storm,” with state and federal dollars stalled at the same time that the demand for help is rising.

“We’re not having the dollars we need to help people in our community,” White said. “The needs are increasing because people don’t have the support systems they’re accustomed to.”

According to data from United Way of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations, the number of residents affected by service reductions has jumped to more than 241,000 statewide. Nearly 60% of nonprofits are expected to run out of emergency funds by the end of October.

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services announced that the start of the state's federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, will be delayed one month until Dec. 3, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The delay stems from the state’s failure to receive its anticipated federal allocation for the 2025-26 LIHEAP season. The program was originally scheduled to begin accepting applications on Nov. 3.

LIHEAP is a federal program administered by the Department of Human Services that assists eligible Pennsylvanians with home heating bills during winter. Annually, Pennsylvania receives more than $215 million for LIHEAP; the commonwealth received $229 million in 2024 and $216 million in 2023.

State officials said Pennsylvania cannot cover these costs without the federal funds.

The program supports over 300,000 Pennsylvania families in heating their homes, assistance which is often vital for older adults and low-income households.

"The LIHEAP Program helps more than 300,000 Pennsylvania families heat their homes during the colder months," said Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. "I urge Congress and the White House to recognize the serious consequences that limiting heating assistance will have on the health and safety of people in Pennsylvania."

WJAC TV - The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) says it can no longer issue SNAP benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, leaving thousands of Pennsylvanians without critical food assistance next month.
In a statement released Oct. 17, DHS said November SNAP payments cannot be made because Congress failed to pass a federal budget, forcing a government shutdown and freezing necessary funds. “Starting October 16, SNAP benefits will not be paid until the federal government shutdown ends and funding is released to Pennsylvania,” the agency said. “We will notify SNAP recipients when payments can resume.”

DHS is urging recipients to remain patient and respectful toward agency staff, and to continue fulfilling program requirements during the shutdown — including reporting any changes to income, household composition or contact information. Recipients are also reminded that new federally mandated work, education or volunteer requirements take effect Nov. 1 and must still be reported. Anyone in need of immediate food assistance is encouraged to call 211 or visit feedingpa.org or pa-navigate.org.