The ongoing federal government shutdown could lead to colder living rooms and higher heating bills in Pennsylvania this fall and winter.

The state Department of Human Services announced on Wednesday the start of its annual Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, has been pushed back at least one month to Dec. 3 from its original starting date of Nov. 4.

According to an announcement posted to the DHS website, even this starting date is not set in stone.

“If the federal government does not reopen or funding is not released to states, Pennsylvania will be unable to begin the normal LIHEAP season until funding is received,” the announcement reads.

“The Dec. 3 date is contingent on federal funding being received,” said DHS press secretary Brandon Cwalina.

The LIHEAP program allows low-income residents to apply for cash grants between $200 and $1,000 to offset their heating bill. Income limits and grant amounts are dependent on household size. The program is only operational between November and April.

According to Dr. Val Arkoosh, secretary for the Department of Human Services, more than 300,000 Pennsylvania families make use of the LIHEAP program each winter.

“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,” Arkoosh said in a news release. “Congress must come together for a solution that protects people most at risk.”

The state of Pennsylvania does have a winter utility shut-off moratorium, which blocks utility companies from shutting off the utilities of low-income customers between Dec. 1 and March 31 — specifically, for customers at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. According to Cwalina, that moratorium is still in effect and is not affected by the government shutdown or LIHEAP delay.

“While this moratorium will prevent utility shutoffs during the coldest months of the year, it does not cancel a customer’s outstanding home heating bills, so LIHEAP funding is still necessary for individuals who need home heating assistance,” Cwalina said.

While the start of the LIHEAP program is delayed, utility companies such as National Fuel and Peoples Gas may offer their own financial assistance programs.

National Fuel offers the “Neighbor for Neighbor” grant, which is open to residents who need assistance avoiding a disconnection of service or with paying their utility bills. The grant offers up to $500 per program year. The company also offers the Customer Assistance Program, which can severely reduce monthly payments and offer forgiveness of outstanding balances.

Peoples Gas offers the Dollar Energy Fund, which also offers grants of up to $500 to offset heating bills.