As the federal government shutdown continues into its second month, low-income residents are going without assistance to pay heating bills.
Citizens for Citizens, Inc. (CFC) administers the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to a combined 13,000 to 14,000 families in Fall River and Taunton. The federally funded program runs from November through April. Executive Director Elizabeth Berube says her office has been busy fielding calls from clients seeking an update on when they will begin to receive payments.
Ms. Berube says even when the shutdown ends, it will likely be four to six weeks before CFC distributes payments.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey last week made funds available to fuel assistance clients facing an emergency to receive assistance.
The state Department of Public Utilities has ensured low-income residents do not have their utilities shut off for lack of payment.
Republicans in Washington have passed legislation that seeks to trim federal spending once a budget is passed. Will cuts impact fuel assistance awards?
CFC is still accepting new applications for those who may qualify for fuel assistance for the 2025-2026 heating season. Eligibility is based on Massachusetts’s 60 percent of the median income, which, for a city like Fall River, allows more people to qualify.
Comments are closed.