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LIHEAP heat benefits may fall short as winter bills jump, new data shows
NEADA says families could face more than $500 in extra heating costs if LIHEAP benefits stay near last year’s average.
U.S. households face average heating costs of $1,030 this winter, an $82 increase from last winter, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association .
Heating oil costs could surge 50% due to the war in Iran, as crude oil trades above $100 a barrel amid Middle East conflicts disrupting global energy supplies.
Households in the Northeast are projected to spend nearly $2,627 on heating oil, while Alaska's average benefit reached $1,554 and New Hampshire's $1,045 in fiscal year 2025.
NEADA is urging Congress to increase Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding from $4 billion to $7 billion to support the nearly 5 million households currently enrolled.
Executive director Mark Wolfe warned families have little time to prepare for winter, as higher bills could leave households scrambling to cover more than $500 in additional heating costs.