AFTER TRUMP THREATENED TO ELLIMINATE FEDERAL HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LEAVING NEW YORKERS OUT IN THE COLD, SCHUMER SUCCESSFULLY PROTECTS AND BOOSTS FUNDING FOR LIHEAP TO HELP[...]

Schumer Has Long Fought To Protect And Boost Funding For Federal LIHEAP Program Which Helps Seniors And Families Keep Their Homes Heated In The Winter And Cool In The Summer

After Firing All Staff Who Work On LIHEAP, Trump's Proposed Budget Would Have Zeroed Out Funding For Vital Fed Program But Schumer Led Democrats To Fight Against Cuts And Secured $20 Million Increase Compared To Last Year

Schumer: NYers Can Continue Tapping Into Fed Funds They Need To Lower Heating & Cooling Costs

After leading the fight against Trump's proposal to completely eliminate all federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer announced he has successfully protected funding that helps families and seniors across America heat their homes in the winter and cool their homes in the summer. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education funding bill which was just signed into law provides more than $4 billion for LIHEAP, a $20 million boost above the FY 2025 enacted level and sound rejection of Trump's proposed elimination of the program.

"Everyone in New York should be able to come home to warmth in the winter. We all know Upstate winters can be harsh, which is why when Trump threatened to completely eliminate funding for LIHEAP, I fought to ensure this vital program was protected so seniors and families can afford their energy bills and repair their heating systems," said Senator Schumer. "I've pushed to boost federal funding for LIHEAP because I know how important it is to lower energy costs for New York's families and will keep fighting to protect LIHEAP from Trump's cruel cuts and ensure that New Yorkers have the resources they need to be safe and warm."

Ater firing all program staff who worked on LIHEAP last year, Trump's budget proposed completely eliminating all federal funding for LIHEAP, which provides federal support to seniors & families to help pay their winter heating bills or summer cooling bills. Schumer fought back against these cuts and successfully protected this vital program which has historically had bipartisan support. The just-passed Labor, Health and Human Services, Education funding bill provides more than $4 billion for LIHEAP, a $20 million boost above the FY 2025 level.

Maintaining safe indoor air temperatures is critical, particularly for households that include older adults, individuals with disabilities, and young children. By helping to reduce the costs of home heating and cooling bills, reconnecting energy services that have been disconnected, preventing energy shutoffs, and financing minor energy-related home repairs, LIHEAP helps make sure that all Americans can meet their home energy needs and stay safe in their homes.

Last year, nearly 1.7 million families across New York State received more than $375 million in funding thanks to LIHEAP. A full county-by-county breakdown of New Yorkers receiving LIHEAP can be found HERE, with some of the largest counties highlighted below:

Upstate NY Major Counties LIHEAP Benefits

###

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Tweet