Staff for the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will not be available to provide programmatic support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and new LIHEAP grants will not be made during a government shutdown, according to recently released guidance released by the ACF.
During past government shutdowns, LIHEAP staff were designated as essential personnel, allowing the program to operate with little disruption.
APPA – by itself and in association with the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) – is closely monitoring how this will affect LIHEAP-funded programs at the state and local level.
According to ACF guidance, staff will continue to operate three programs, not including LIHEAP.
However, ACF does note that grant recipients can continue to use previously awarded grants.
NEUAC explains that this implies that LIHEAP grant recipients – i.e. states – may obligate carryover or reallotment funds and they will be reimbursed. NEUAC emphasized, however, that it is unknown how long that process could take given federal furloughs.
Earlier this year, all employees within HHS’ Division of Energy Assistance, which previously administered LIHEAP, were terminated. So, it is possible that the remaining staff at ACF now assigned to also work on LIHEAP will be working during the shutdown, APPA said.
ACF guidance, however, appears to make clear they will not be allowed to work on LIHEAP itself.
APPA will keep members updated as the situation develops.
